<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<link:linkbase xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xs="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" 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:roleRef xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#ELRID_DocumentAndEntityInformation" roleURI="http://www.catofashions.com/role/DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple"></link:roleRef>
  <link:roleRef xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#ELRID_CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" roleURI="http://www.catofashions.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="simple"></link:roleRef>
  <link:roleRef xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#ELRID_CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParentheticals" roleURI="http://www.catofashions.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParentheticals" xlink:type="simple"></link:roleRef>
  <link:roleRef xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#ELRID_FinancingArrangementsNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.catofashions.com/role/FinancingArrangementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple"></link:roleRef>
  <link:roleRef xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#ELRID_ReportableSegmentInformationSummaryOfCertainSegmentInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.catofashions.com/role/ReportableSegmentInformationSummaryOfCertainSegmentInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple"></link:roleRef>
  <link:roleRef xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#ELRID_FairValueMeasurementsFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueDetails" roleURI="http://www.catofashions.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueDetails" xlink:type="simple"></link:roleRef>
  <link:roleRef xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#ELRID_FairValueMeasurementsChangeInFairValueOfFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredUsingLevel3InputsDetails" roleURI="http://www.catofashions.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsChangeInFairValueOfFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredUsingLevel3InputsDetails" xlink:type="simple"></link:roleRef>
  <link:roleRef xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#ELRID_ShareBasedCompensationShareBasedCompensationPlansDetails" roleURI="http://www.catofashions.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationShareBasedCompensationPlansDetails" xlink:type="simple"></link:roleRef>
  <link:roleRef xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#ELRID_ShareBasedCompensationScheduleOfChangesInRestrictedStockOutstandingDetails" roleURI="http://www.catofashions.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationScheduleOfChangesInRestrictedStockOutstandingDetails" xlink:type="simple"></link:roleRef>
  <link:roleRef xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#ELRID_ShareBasedCompensationNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.catofashions.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple"></link:roleRef>
  <link:roleRef xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#ELRID_GeneralNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.catofashions.com/role/GeneralNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple"></link:roleRef>
  <link:roleRef xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#ELRID_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails" roleURI="http://www.catofashions.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails" xlink:type="simple"></link:roleRef>
  <link:roleRef xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#ELRID_RevenueRecognitionNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.catofashions.com/role/RevenueRecognitionNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple"></link:roleRef>
  <link:roleRef xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#ELRID_CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" roleURI="http://www.catofashions.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple"></link:roleRef>
  <link:roleRef xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#ELRID_LeasesNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.catofashions.com/role/LeasesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple"></link:roleRef>
  <link:roleRef xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#ELRID_FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.catofashions.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple"></link:roleRef>
  <link:roleRef xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#ELRID_ReportableSegmentInformationNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.catofashions.com/role/ReportableSegmentInformationNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple"></link:roleRef>
  <link:roleRef xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#ELRID_EarningsPerShareNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.catofashions.com/role/EarningsPerShareNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple"></link:roleRef>
  <link:arcroleRef xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" xlink:type="simple" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member"></link:arcroleRef>
  <link:arcroleRef xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain"></link:arcroleRef>
  <link:arcroleRef xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" xlink:type="simple" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all"></link:arcroleRef>
  <link:arcroleRef xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension"></link:arcroleRef>
  <link:arcroleRef xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default"></link:arcroleRef>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.catofashions.com/role/DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_0"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_0"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2025/dei-2025.xsd#dei_DocumentInformationTable" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentInformationTable_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="-1.0" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentInformationTable_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_dei_DocumentInformationTable_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2025/dei-2025.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_0"></link:definitionArc>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.catofashions.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_0"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="3.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedInvestments_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="4.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedInvestments_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivablesNetCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReceivablesNetCurrent_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="5.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReceivablesNetCurrent_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNet_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="6.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNet_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseCurrent_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="7.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseCurrent_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="8.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="3.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="4.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="5.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="6.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_0"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedBonusesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedBonusesCurrent_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="3.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedBonusesCurrent_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="4.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#cato_AccruedBonusAndBenefits" xlink:label="loc_cato_AccruedBonusAndBenefits_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="5.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_cato_AccruedBonusAndBenefits_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="6.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="7.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="8.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_1"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_2"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_2"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAndOtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAndOtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="3.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAndOtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="4.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="5.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="6.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="7.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="3.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="4.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="5.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="6.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="7.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="-1.0" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1"></link:definitionArc>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.catofashions.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParentheticals">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_2"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_2"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_2"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_2"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_2"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#cato_ConsolidatedBalanceSheetParentheticalAbstract" xlink:label="loc_cato_ConsolidatedBalanceSheetParentheticalAbstract_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1" xlink:to="loc_cato_ConsolidatedBalanceSheetParentheticalAbstract_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cato_ConsolidatedBalanceSheetParentheticalAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cato_ConsolidatedBalanceSheetParentheticalAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="3.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cato_ConsolidatedBalanceSheetParentheticalAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="4.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cato_ConsolidatedBalanceSheetParentheticalAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="5.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cato_ConsolidatedBalanceSheetParentheticalAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="6.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cato_ConsolidatedBalanceSheetParentheticalAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="7.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cato_ConsolidatedBalanceSheetParentheticalAbstract_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="-1.0" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_2"></link:definitionArc>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.catofashions.com/role/FinancingArrangementsNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_0"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="-1.0" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#cato_ABLCreditAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_cato_ABLCreditAgreementMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_0" xlink:to="loc_cato_ABLCreditAgreementMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cato_ABLCreditAgreementMember_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cato_ABLCreditAgreementMember_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="3.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="4.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="5.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="6.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="7.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_0"></link:definitionArc>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.catofashions.com/role/ReportableSegmentInformationSummaryOfCertainSegmentInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_0"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ReportableSegmentAggregationBeforeOtherOperatingSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReportableSegmentAggregationBeforeOtherOperatingSegmentMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReportableSegmentAggregationBeforeOtherOperatingSegmentMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#cato_CreditSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_cato_CreditSegmentMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReportableSegmentAggregationBeforeOtherOperatingSegmentMember_0" xlink:to="loc_cato_CreditSegmentMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#cato_RetailSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_cato_RetailSegmentMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReportableSegmentAggregationBeforeOtherOperatingSegmentMember_0" xlink:to="loc_cato_RetailSegmentMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_0"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#cato_SegmentReportingSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_cato_SegmentReportingSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="3.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_cato_SegmentReportingSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#cato_CorporateOverhead" xlink:label="loc_cato_CorporateOverhead_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="4.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_cato_CorporateOverhead_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_Depreciation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="5.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_InterestAndOtherIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndOtherIncome_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="6.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndOtherIncome_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="7.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#cato_CorporateInterestAndOtherIncome" xlink:label="loc_cato_CorporateInterestAndOtherIncome_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="8.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_cato_CorporateInterestAndOtherIncome_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="9.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentExpenditureAdditionToLongLivedAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentExpenditureAdditionToLongLivedAssets_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="10.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentExpenditureAdditionToLongLivedAssets_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="-1.0" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_0" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_0" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#cato_OperatingSegmentsAfterReconcilingItemsAndEliminationsMember" xlink:label="loc_cato_OperatingSegmentsAfterReconcilingItemsAndEliminationsMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_0" xlink:to="loc_cato_OperatingSegmentsAfterReconcilingItemsAndEliminationsMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1"></link:definitionArc>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.catofashions.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_0"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="3.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_0"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDemandObligationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDemandObligationMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="5.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDemandObligationMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CertificatesOfDepositMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CertificatesOfDepositMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="7.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CertificatesOfDepositMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="8.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="11.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AuctionRateSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AuctionRateSecuritiesMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="4.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AuctionRateSecuritiesMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#cato_PrivatelyManagedFundsMember" xlink:label="loc_cato_PrivatelyManagedFundsMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="10.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_0" xlink:to="loc_cato_PrivatelyManagedFundsMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CashSurrenderValueMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashSurrenderValueMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="6.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashSurrenderValueMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="9.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="3.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_0"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_0"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AlternativeInvestment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AlternativeInvestment_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AlternativeInvestment_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CashSurrenderValueFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashSurrenderValueFairValueDisclosure_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="3.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashSurrenderValueFairValueDisclosure_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="4.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="5.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="6.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="-1.0" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="3.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_0"></link:definitionArc>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.catofashions.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsChangeInFairValueOfFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredUsingLevel3InputsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_0"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="-1.0" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_2"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_2"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AuctionRateSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AuctionRateSecuritiesMember_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AuctionRateSecuritiesMember_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#cato_PrivatelyManagedFundsMember" xlink:label="loc_cato_PrivatelyManagedFundsMember_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_2" xlink:to="loc_cato_PrivatelyManagedFundsMember_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CashSurrenderValueMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashSurrenderValueMember_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="3.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashSurrenderValueMember_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersIntoLevel3" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersIntoLevel3_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="3.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersIntoLevel3_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="4.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="5.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_0"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="-1.0" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_2"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_2"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityMember_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityMember_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationLiabilityTransfersOutOfLevel3" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationLiabilityTransfersOutOfLevel3_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationLiabilityTransfersOutOfLevel3_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationLiabilityTransfersIntoLevel3" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationLiabilityTransfersIntoLevel3_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="3.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationLiabilityTransfersIntoLevel3_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="4.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncome_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="5.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncome_0"></link:definitionArc>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.catofashions.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationShareBasedCompensationPlansDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_0"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#cato_OptionsAndOrRestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_cato_OptionsAndOrRestrictedStockMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_0" xlink:to="loc_cato_OptionsAndOrRestrictedStockMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_0"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="-1.0" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#cato_Stockplan2018membermemberMember" xlink:label="loc_cato_Stockplan2018membermemberMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_0" xlink:to="loc_cato_Stockplan2018membermemberMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_0"></link:definitionArc>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.catofashions.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationScheduleOfChangesInRestrictedStockOutstandingDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_4"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_3"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_3"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_1"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="3.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="4.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="3.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="4.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="-1.0" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_3"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_3"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_4"></link:definitionArc>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.catofashions.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_5"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_4"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_4"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_2"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_3"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_3"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="3.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_2"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="-1.0" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_2"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_2"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_4"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_4"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_5"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#cato_NumberOfLongTermCompensationPlans" xlink:label="loc_cato_NumberOfLongTermCompensationPlans_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2" xlink:to="loc_cato_NumberOfLongTermCompensationPlans_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="3.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="4.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="5.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="6.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="7.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#cato_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanShareAwardPurchasePriceDiscount" xlink:label="loc_cato_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanShareAwardPurchasePriceDiscount_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="8.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2" xlink:to="loc_cato_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanShareAwardPurchasePriceDiscount_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#cato_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanSharePurchaseDiscountRate" xlink:label="loc_cato_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanSharePurchaseDiscountRate_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="9.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2" xlink:to="loc_cato_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanSharePurchaseDiscountRate_0"></link:definitionArc>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.catofashions.com/role/GeneralNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_0"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#cato_LandHeldForInvestmentMember" xlink:label="loc_cato_LandHeldForInvestmentMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_0" xlink:to="loc_cato_LandHeldForInvestmentMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_0" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#cato_GeneralLineItems" xlink:label="loc_cato_GeneralLineItems_0"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#cato_GeneralTable" xlink:label="loc_cato_GeneralTable_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="-1.0" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_cato_GeneralLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_cato_GeneralTable_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cato_GeneralTable_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cato_GeneralTable_0" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#cato_Accelerated2013Dividend" xlink:label="loc_cato_Accelerated2013Dividend_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cato_GeneralLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_cato_Accelerated2013Dividend_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#cato_ProceedsFromGovernmentAidProgram" xlink:label="loc_cato_ProceedsFromGovernmentAidProgram_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cato_GeneralLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_cato_ProceedsFromGovernmentAidProgram_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#cato_SpecialDividend" xlink:label="loc_cato_SpecialDividend_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="3.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cato_GeneralLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_cato_SpecialDividend_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#cato_IncreaseOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesLeases" xlink:label="loc_cato_IncreaseOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesLeases_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="4.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cato_GeneralLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_cato_IncreaseOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesLeases_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="5.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cato_GeneralLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="6.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cato_GeneralLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIncomeTaxRefunds" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIncomeTaxRefunds_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="7.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cato_GeneralLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIncomeTaxRefunds_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReceivable_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="8.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cato_GeneralLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReceivable_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FiscalPeriodDuration" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiscalPeriodDuration_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="9.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cato_GeneralLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiscalPeriodDuration_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#cato_ReceivableRecoverableRepairCost" xlink:label="loc_cato_ReceivableRecoverableRepairCost_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="10.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cato_GeneralLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_cato_ReceivableRecoverableRepairCost_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAssetsHeldForSale" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAssetsHeldForSale_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="11.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cato_GeneralLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAssetsHeldForSale_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="12.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cato_GeneralLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#cato_ReductionInCostOfGoods" xlink:label="loc_cato_ReductionInCostOfGoods_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="13.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cato_GeneralLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_cato_ReductionInCostOfGoods_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#cato_PartialPaymentPercentage" xlink:label="loc_cato_PartialPaymentPercentage_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="14.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cato_GeneralLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_cato_PartialPaymentPercentage_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#cato_ReceivePartialPaymentForTariffRefundClaim" xlink:label="loc_cato_ReceivePartialPaymentForTariffRefundClaim_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="15.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cato_GeneralLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_cato_ReceivePartialPaymentForTariffRefundClaim_0"></link:definitionArc>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.catofashions.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_0"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_0"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="-1.0" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#cato_Accumulatedothercomprehensiveincomelossrollforward" xlink:label="loc_cato_Accumulatedothercomprehensiveincomelossrollforward_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_cato_Accumulatedothercomprehensiveincomelossrollforward_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cato_Accumulatedothercomprehensiveincomelossrollforward_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cato_Accumulatedothercomprehensiveincomelossrollforward_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="3.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cato_Accumulatedothercomprehensiveincomelossrollforward_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="4.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cato_Accumulatedothercomprehensiveincomelossrollforward_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_0"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="-1.0" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncome_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncome_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_0"></link:definitionArc>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.catofashions.com/role/RevenueRecognitionNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_1"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CreditCardMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditCardMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditCardMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CollateralDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollateralDomain_0"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CollateralPledgedMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollateralPledgedMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollateralDomain_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollateralPledgedMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_0"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="-1.0" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_0" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_1" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_2"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_1" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_2"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CollateralAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollateralAxis_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollateralAxis_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollateralAxis_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollateralDomain_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CollateralDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollateralDomain_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollateralAxis_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollateralDomain_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForOtherCreditLosses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForOtherCreditLosses_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForOtherCreditLosses_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="3.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross_0"></link:definitionArc>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.catofashions.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_6"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_5"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_5"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_3"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_3"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_5"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_6"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_2"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="-1.0" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_2"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="3.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="4.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_5"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="3.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="4.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="5.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#cato_ShareBasedCompensationIssuancesAndExercises" xlink:label="loc_cato_ShareBasedCompensationIssuancesAndExercises_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="6.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2" xlink:to="loc_cato_ShareBasedCompensationIssuancesAndExercises_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardGross_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="7.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardGross_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeBenefitsAndShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeBenefitsAndShareBasedCompensation_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="8.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeBenefitsAndShareBasedCompensation_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#cato_RepurchaseAndRetirementOfTreasuryShares" xlink:label="loc_cato_RepurchaseAndRetirementOfTreasuryShares_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="9.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2" xlink:to="loc_cato_RepurchaseAndRetirementOfTreasuryShares_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#cato_RepurchaseAndRetirementOfTreasurySharesValue" xlink:label="loc_cato_RepurchaseAndRetirementOfTreasurySharesValue_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="10.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2" xlink:to="loc_cato_RepurchaseAndRetirementOfTreasurySharesValue_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="11.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther_0"></link:definitionArc>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.catofashions.com/role/LeasesNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_0"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_0" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_0" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_0" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_0" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_0"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="-1.0" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_0" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRemainingLeaseTerm" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRemainingLeaseTerm_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRemainingLeaseTerm_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseOptionToExtend" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseOptionToExtend_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseOptionToExtend_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseOptionToTerminate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseOptionToTerminate_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="3.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseOptionToTerminate_0"></link:definitionArc>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.catofashions.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_2"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_3"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_3"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CashSurrenderValueMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashSurrenderValueMember_2"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="3.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashSurrenderValueMember_2"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_2"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="4.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_2"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="5.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_1"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="-1.0" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable_1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_2"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable_1" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_2"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_1" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_2"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_2" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_2" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTerm" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTerm_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTerm_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationPlanAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationPlanAssets_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationPlanAssets_0"></link:definitionArc>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.catofashions.com/role/ReportableSegmentInformationNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ReportableSegmentAggregationBeforeOtherOperatingSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReportableSegmentAggregationBeforeOtherOperatingSegmentMember_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReportableSegmentAggregationBeforeOtherOperatingSegmentMember_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cato-20260502.xsd#cato_RetailSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_cato_RetailSegmentMember_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReportableSegmentAggregationBeforeOtherOperatingSegmentMember_1" xlink:to="loc_cato_RetailSegmentMember_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_1"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="-1.0" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_1" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_1" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_2"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_1" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_2"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="2.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfStatesInWhichEntityOperates" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfStatesInWhichEntityOperates_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="3.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfStatesInWhichEntityOperates_0"></link:definitionArc>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.catofashions.com/role/EarningsPerShareNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_0"></link:loc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="-1.0" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_0"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_1"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_1"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_2"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_2"></link:definitionArc>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_0"></link:loc>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" priority="0" order="1.0" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_0"></link:definitionArc>
  </link:definitionLink>
</link:linkbase>
