<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>

<!--XBRL Document Created with the Workiva Platform-->
<!--Copyright 2026 Workiva-->
<!--r:019e07fc-3b35-7221-ad67-5a5f9c15b343,g:91453a8e-3523-445f-b521-2829b3edda4c-->
<link:linkbase xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd">
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all"/>
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension"/>
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default"/>
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain"/>
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DocumentandEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#DocumentandEntityInformation"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DocumentandEntityInformation" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityListingsLineItems_019e07fc-4261-751d-86f5-efeefb70fce2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityListingsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityListingsTable_019e07fc-4261-7dfe-b518-ea19dc5221f9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityListingsTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityListingsLineItems_019e07fc-4261-751d-86f5-efeefb70fce2" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityListingsTable_019e07fc-4261-7dfe-b518-ea19dc5221f9" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_019e07fc-4261-73fe-bf89-6a1752b6566c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityListingsTable_019e07fc-4261-7dfe-b518-ea19dc5221f9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_019e07fc-4261-73fe-bf89-6a1752b6566c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_019e07fc-4261-73fe-bf89-6a1752b6566c_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_019e07fc-4261-73fe-bf89-6a1752b6566c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_019e07fc-4261-73fe-bf89-6a1752b6566c_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_019e07fc-4261-7210-80b5-e71eac7bdb7e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_019e07fc-4261-73fe-bf89-6a1752b6566c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_019e07fc-4261-7210-80b5-e71eac7bdb7e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_019e07fc-4261-7ffa-8285-ee4524ee7fef" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_019e07fc-4261-7210-80b5-e71eac7bdb7e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_019e07fc-4261-7ffa-8285-ee4524ee7fef" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember_019e07fc-4261-71c6-8f6a-fb6d0d305fda" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_019e07fc-4261-7210-80b5-e71eac7bdb7e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember_019e07fc-4261-71c6-8f6a-fb6d0d305fda" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember_019e07fc-4261-73d9-bb4a-80cd48357ee1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_019e07fc-4261-7210-80b5-e71eac7bdb7e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember_019e07fc-4261-73d9-bb4a-80cd48357ee1" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember_019e07fc-4261-728e-9f4a-5ebb3d844c10" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_019e07fc-4261-7210-80b5-e71eac7bdb7e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember_019e07fc-4261-728e-9f4a-5ebb3d844c10" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesDPreferredStockMember_019e07fc-4261-719d-babe-76bfdee65ffa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesDPreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_019e07fc-4261-7210-80b5-e71eac7bdb7e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesDPreferredStockMember_019e07fc-4261-719d-babe-76bfdee65ffa" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_JuniorSubordinatedDebtMember_019e07fc-4261-71f5-b4a6-21e25f19b50f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_JuniorSubordinatedDebtMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_019e07fc-4261-7210-80b5-e71eac7bdb7e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_JuniorSubordinatedDebtMember_019e07fc-4261-71f5-b4a6-21e25f19b50f" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_Security12bTitle_019e07fc-4261-7a82-8da3-71260e5ebbdc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_Security12bTitle"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityListingsLineItems_019e07fc-4261-751d-86f5-efeefb70fce2" xlink:to="loc_dei_Security12bTitle_019e07fc-4261-7a82-8da3-71260e5ebbdc" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_TradingSymbol_019e07fc-4261-752d-a85a-5e3002f80a5b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_TradingSymbol"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityListingsLineItems_019e07fc-4261-751d-86f5-efeefb70fce2" xlink:to="loc_dei_TradingSymbol_019e07fc-4261-752d-a85a-5e3002f80a5b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_SecurityExchangeName_019e07fc-4261-7f9a-873b-adc261affdbf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_SecurityExchangeName"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityListingsLineItems_019e07fc-4261-751d-86f5-efeefb70fce2" xlink:to="loc_dei_SecurityExchangeName_019e07fc-4261-7f9a-873b-adc261affdbf" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentType_019e07fc-4261-7323-b013-9951349f300f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_DocumentType"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityListingsLineItems_019e07fc-4261-751d-86f5-efeefb70fce2" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentType_019e07fc-4261-7323-b013-9951349f300f" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_019e07fc-4261-7ec4-a505-711655956d14" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityListingsLineItems_019e07fc-4261-751d-86f5-efeefb70fce2" xlink:to="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_019e07fc-4261-7ec4-a505-711655956d14" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport_019e07fc-4261-7789-93c2-f551244850b1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityListingsLineItems_019e07fc-4261-751d-86f5-efeefb70fce2" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport_019e07fc-4261-7789-93c2-f551244850b1" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentTransitionReport_019e07fc-4261-7f7e-8635-60fd9f8f7832" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_DocumentTransitionReport"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityListingsLineItems_019e07fc-4261-751d-86f5-efeefb70fce2" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentTransitionReport_019e07fc-4261-7f7e-8635-60fd9f8f7832" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_019e07fc-4261-77b8-95ee-d5aacb2fc7df" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityListingsLineItems_019e07fc-4261-751d-86f5-efeefb70fce2" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_019e07fc-4261-77b8-95ee-d5aacb2fc7df" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_019e07fc-4261-74a0-9ff0-2ecb612694d6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityListingsLineItems_019e07fc-4261-751d-86f5-efeefb70fce2" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_019e07fc-4261-74a0-9ff0-2ecb612694d6" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_019e07fc-4261-7a91-bad2-1482534fc850" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityListingsLineItems_019e07fc-4261-751d-86f5-efeefb70fce2" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_019e07fc-4261-7a91-bad2-1482534fc850" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFileNumber_019e07fc-4261-75ea-b526-bace86c4a75c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityFileNumber"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityListingsLineItems_019e07fc-4261-751d-86f5-efeefb70fce2" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFileNumber_019e07fc-4261-75ea-b526-bace86c4a75c" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_019e07fc-4261-7de6-a550-891838524b10" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityListingsLineItems_019e07fc-4261-751d-86f5-efeefb70fce2" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_019e07fc-4261-7de6-a550-891838524b10" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_019e07fc-4261-74f4-9d14-bd0ed5cb9393" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityListingsLineItems_019e07fc-4261-751d-86f5-efeefb70fce2" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_019e07fc-4261-74f4-9d14-bd0ed5cb9393" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_019e07fc-4261-7092-944f-e25fea2d1150" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityListingsLineItems_019e07fc-4261-751d-86f5-efeefb70fce2" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_019e07fc-4261-7092-944f-e25fea2d1150" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_019e07fc-4261-73b9-b386-4797511c9b6d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityListingsLineItems_019e07fc-4261-751d-86f5-efeefb70fce2" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_019e07fc-4261-73b9-b386-4797511c9b6d" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_019e07fc-4261-7c65-b766-1ed8cfedf562" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityListingsLineItems_019e07fc-4261-751d-86f5-efeefb70fce2" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_019e07fc-4261-7c65-b766-1ed8cfedf562" xlink:type="arc" order="15"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_019e07fc-4261-7876-88c5-4ad8fa24fa09" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityListingsLineItems_019e07fc-4261-751d-86f5-efeefb70fce2" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_019e07fc-4261-7876-88c5-4ad8fa24fa09" xlink:type="arc" order="16"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_019e07fc-4261-76d7-af99-5ebbfc716ee8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityListingsLineItems_019e07fc-4261-751d-86f5-efeefb70fce2" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_019e07fc-4261-76d7-af99-5ebbfc716ee8" xlink:type="arc" order="17"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_019e07fc-4261-784a-adb7-a01201f8345f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityListingsLineItems_019e07fc-4261-751d-86f5-efeefb70fce2" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_019e07fc-4261-784a-adb7-a01201f8345f" xlink:type="arc" order="18"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_CityAreaCode_019e07fc-4261-7278-8161-3b16aa82806e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_CityAreaCode"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityListingsLineItems_019e07fc-4261-751d-86f5-efeefb70fce2" xlink:to="loc_dei_CityAreaCode_019e07fc-4261-7278-8161-3b16aa82806e" xlink:type="arc" order="19"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LocalPhoneNumber_019e07fc-4261-7022-8328-2fee4a11ad73" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LocalPhoneNumber"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityListingsLineItems_019e07fc-4261-751d-86f5-efeefb70fce2" xlink:to="loc_dei_LocalPhoneNumber_019e07fc-4261-7022-8328-2fee4a11ad73" xlink:type="arc" order="20"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_019e07fc-4261-70a7-b611-ad8a994ba4bc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityListingsLineItems_019e07fc-4261-751d-86f5-efeefb70fce2" xlink:to="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_019e07fc-4261-70a7-b611-ad8a994ba4bc" xlink:type="arc" order="21"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_019e07fc-4261-75cb-9dc3-073c40ae4c13" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityListingsLineItems_019e07fc-4261-751d-86f5-efeefb70fce2" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_019e07fc-4261-75cb-9dc3-073c40ae4c13" xlink:type="arc" order="22"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_019e07fc-4261-7ada-813b-b80914e1819e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityListingsLineItems_019e07fc-4261-751d-86f5-efeefb70fce2" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_019e07fc-4261-7ada-813b-b80914e1819e" xlink:type="arc" order="23"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_019e07fc-4261-750e-b452-3ce2ced542e0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityListingsLineItems_019e07fc-4261-751d-86f5-efeefb70fce2" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_019e07fc-4261-750e-b452-3ce2ced542e0" xlink:type="arc" order="24"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_019e07fc-4261-7439-90f7-9f63456dc70f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntitySmallBusiness"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityListingsLineItems_019e07fc-4261-751d-86f5-efeefb70fce2" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_019e07fc-4261-7439-90f7-9f63456dc70f" xlink:type="arc" order="25"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_019e07fc-4261-7b1b-aceb-e802bb655810" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityListingsLineItems_019e07fc-4261-751d-86f5-efeefb70fce2" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_019e07fc-4261-7b1b-aceb-e802bb655810" xlink:type="arc" order="26"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityShellCompany_019e07fc-4261-7339-b121-672464e9a44d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityShellCompany"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityListingsLineItems_019e07fc-4261-751d-86f5-efeefb70fce2" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityShellCompany_019e07fc-4261-7339-b121-672464e9a44d" xlink:type="arc" order="27"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_019e07fc-4261-76f7-a405-e2dfa0a4ca62" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityListingsLineItems_019e07fc-4261-751d-86f5-efeefb70fce2" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_019e07fc-4261-76f7-a405-e2dfa0a4ca62" xlink:type="arc" order="28"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofEquityUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsofEquityUnaudited"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofEquityUnaudited" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7c72-aedb-0112a1a310e9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_019e07fc-4261-77c3-99fa-b5d8ee42da32" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7c72-aedb-0112a1a310e9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_019e07fc-4261-77c3-99fa-b5d8ee42da32" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_019e07fc-4261-7277-8f33-337b6545616a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_019e07fc-4261-77c3-99fa-b5d8ee42da32" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_019e07fc-4261-7277-8f33-337b6545616a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_019e07fc-4261-7277-8f33-337b6545616a_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_019e07fc-4261-7277-8f33-337b6545616a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_019e07fc-4261-7277-8f33-337b6545616a_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_019e07fc-4261-7751-940f-b28d70d8dd10" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_019e07fc-4261-7277-8f33-337b6545616a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_019e07fc-4261-7751-940f-b28d70d8dd10" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_019e07fc-4261-7218-aabb-aee2e0695f1e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_019e07fc-4261-7751-940f-b28d70d8dd10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_019e07fc-4261-7218-aabb-aee2e0695f1e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_019e07fc-4261-72fb-8cf7-eb82e2d51ef4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_019e07fc-4261-7751-940f-b28d70d8dd10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_019e07fc-4261-72fb-8cf7-eb82e2d51ef4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_019e07fc-4261-796b-b0aa-72dbbc0d5b5a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_019e07fc-4261-7751-940f-b28d70d8dd10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_019e07fc-4261-796b-b0aa-72dbbc0d5b5a" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_019e07fc-4261-774a-924f-08d8d8c1b2c5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_019e07fc-4261-7751-940f-b28d70d8dd10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_019e07fc-4261-774a-924f-08d8d8c1b2c5" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockCommonMember_019e07fc-4261-7e53-8560-f29877954dd4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockCommonMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_019e07fc-4261-7751-940f-b28d70d8dd10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockCommonMember_019e07fc-4261-7e53-8560-f29877954dd4" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_019e07fc-4261-7fe0-9621-725a12944ea4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_019e07fc-4261-7751-940f-b28d70d8dd10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_019e07fc-4261-7fe0-9621-725a12944ea4" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ParentMember_019e07fc-4261-7683-8c71-68e7b3f62864" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ParentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_019e07fc-4261-7751-940f-b28d70d8dd10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ParentMember_019e07fc-4261-7683-8c71-68e7b3f62864" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_019e07fc-4261-7e18-9cb1-f2aa0d5e9fca" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_019e07fc-4261-7751-940f-b28d70d8dd10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_019e07fc-4261-7e18-9cb1-f2aa0d5e9fca" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_019e07fc-4261-71b2-b9fa-c4d11893d61c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7c72-aedb-0112a1a310e9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_019e07fc-4261-71b2-b9fa-c4d11893d61c" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod_019e07fc-4261-78c1-9fec-2fc3841b1f2e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7c72-aedb-0112a1a310e9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod_019e07fc-4261-78c1-9fec-2fc3841b1f2e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_ShareBasedCompensationTransactionsIncreaseDecrease_019e07fc-4261-76d1-a008-28d6629fa3f6" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_ShareBasedCompensationTransactionsIncreaseDecrease"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7c72-aedb-0112a1a310e9" xlink:to="loc_bhf_ShareBasedCompensationTransactionsIncreaseDecrease_019e07fc-4261-76d1-a008-28d6629fa3f6" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalDividendsInExcessOfRetainedEarnings_019e07fc-4261-7faf-bdb5-271eb7c71665" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalDividendsInExcessOfRetainedEarnings"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7c72-aedb-0112a1a310e9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalDividendsInExcessOfRetainedEarnings_019e07fc-4261-7faf-bdb5-271eb7c71665" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestPeriodIncreaseDecrease_019e07fc-4261-79f9-886d-f9cb3e0dd846" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestPeriodIncreaseDecrease"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7c72-aedb-0112a1a310e9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestPeriodIncreaseDecrease_019e07fc-4261-79f9-886d-f9cb3e0dd846" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_019e07fc-4261-7b8f-afae-088c34ab90bf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7c72-aedb-0112a1a310e9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_019e07fc-4261-7b8f-afae-088c34ab90bf" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_019e07fc-4261-7a4b-a2f7-104240c7404d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7c72-aedb-0112a1a310e9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_019e07fc-4261-7a4b-a2f7-104240c7404d" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_019e07fc-4261-7262-b365-2fb80da85e47" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/BusinessBasisofPresentationandSummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#BusinessBasisofPresentationandSummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/BusinessBasisofPresentationandSummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7079-9caf-ac5756c1f654" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_019e07fc-4261-725f-b604-8f43451d5394" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7079-9caf-ac5756c1f654" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_019e07fc-4261-725f-b604-8f43451d5394" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_019e07fc-4261-7db2-8cc7-c8b00309b420" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_019e07fc-4261-725f-b604-8f43451d5394" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_019e07fc-4261-7db2-8cc7-c8b00309b420" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_019e07fc-4261-7db2-8cc7-c8b00309b420_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_019e07fc-4261-7db2-8cc7-c8b00309b420" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_019e07fc-4261-7db2-8cc7-c8b00309b420_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_019e07fc-4261-742d-886d-0ec1bf0f2269" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_019e07fc-4261-7db2-8cc7-c8b00309b420" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_019e07fc-4261-742d-886d-0ec1bf0f2269" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_AquarianHoldingsMember_019e07fc-4261-79ce-8a25-1c241552e5b8" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_AquarianHoldingsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_019e07fc-4261-742d-886d-0ec1bf0f2269" xlink:to="loc_bhf_AquarianHoldingsMember_019e07fc-4261-79ce-8a25-1c241552e5b8" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_BusinessCombinationStockConversionPerShare_019e07fc-4261-7ce9-9701-addd7342ce9d" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_BusinessCombinationStockConversionPerShare"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7079-9caf-ac5756c1f654" xlink:to="loc_bhf_BusinessCombinationStockConversionPerShare_019e07fc-4261-7ce9-9701-addd7342ce9d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/SegmentInformationOperatingResultsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#SegmentInformationOperatingResultsDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/SegmentInformationOperatingResultsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7160-ba0e-b1432cda6148" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_019e07fc-4261-7f69-93af-ae7d8cb7a1cd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7160-ba0e-b1432cda6148" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_019e07fc-4261-7f69-93af-ae7d8cb7a1cd" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_019e07fc-4261-736c-bd89-1448a4de24eb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_019e07fc-4261-7f69-93af-ae7d8cb7a1cd" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_019e07fc-4261-736c-bd89-1448a4de24eb" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_019e07fc-4261-736c-bd89-1448a4de24eb_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_019e07fc-4261-736c-bd89-1448a4de24eb" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_019e07fc-4261-736c-bd89-1448a4de24eb_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_019e07fc-4261-7bc0-b43e-234faf500bef" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_019e07fc-4261-736c-bd89-1448a4de24eb" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_019e07fc-4261-7bc0-b43e-234faf500bef" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_019e07fc-4261-7f2d-b326-8d22f99e477b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_019e07fc-4261-7bc0-b43e-234faf500bef" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_019e07fc-4261-7f2d-b326-8d22f99e477b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaterialReconcilingItemsMember_019e07fc-4261-7d02-b9c7-d0435d22acd9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MaterialReconcilingItemsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_019e07fc-4261-7bc0-b43e-234faf500bef" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaterialReconcilingItemsMember_019e07fc-4261-7d02-b9c7-d0435d22acd9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_019e07fc-4261-74ee-999f-f1e8a00c39d2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_019e07fc-4261-7f69-93af-ae7d8cb7a1cd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_019e07fc-4261-74ee-999f-f1e8a00c39d2" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_019e07fc-4261-74ee-999f-f1e8a00c39d2_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_019e07fc-4261-74ee-999f-f1e8a00c39d2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_019e07fc-4261-74ee-999f-f1e8a00c39d2_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_019e07fc-4261-7eda-ad9b-b4c41d1d219e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_019e07fc-4261-74ee-999f-f1e8a00c39d2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_019e07fc-4261-7eda-ad9b-b4c41d1d219e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_AnnuitiesMember_019e07fc-4261-7a6c-90c6-dd447a221b87" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_AnnuitiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_019e07fc-4261-7eda-ad9b-b4c41d1d219e" xlink:to="loc_bhf_AnnuitiesMember_019e07fc-4261-7a6c-90c6-dd447a221b87" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_LifeMember_019e07fc-4261-7a5b-a65c-3f80a9b0a3f1" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_LifeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_019e07fc-4261-7eda-ad9b-b4c41d1d219e" xlink:to="loc_bhf_LifeMember_019e07fc-4261-7a5b-a65c-3f80a9b0a3f1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_RunoffMember_019e07fc-4261-7b6a-9c20-66ad06a49cf3" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_RunoffMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_019e07fc-4261-7eda-ad9b-b4c41d1d219e" xlink:to="loc_bhf_RunoffMember_019e07fc-4261-7b6a-9c20-66ad06a49cf3" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember_019e07fc-4261-7b36-87b4-3d4cf0f5548a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_019e07fc-4261-7eda-ad9b-b4c41d1d219e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember_019e07fc-4261-7b36-87b4-3d4cf0f5548a" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_019e07fc-4261-7d47-bfa2-311384611cff" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7160-ba0e-b1432cda6148" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_019e07fc-4261-7d47-bfa2-311384611cff" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_RevenuesExcludedFromAdjustedEarnings_019e07fc-4261-76d3-a827-eeb97e99bb07" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_RevenuesExcludedFromAdjustedEarnings"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7160-ba0e-b1432cda6148" xlink:to="loc_bhf_RevenuesExcludedFromAdjustedEarnings_019e07fc-4261-76d3-a827-eeb97e99bb07" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredNet_019e07fc-4261-76e4-9e74-677d89ca5e0c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7160-ba0e-b1432cda6148" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredNet_019e07fc-4261-76e4-9e74-677d89ca5e0c" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestCreditedToPolicyholdersAccountBalances_019e07fc-4261-72b4-b6ef-047769a88c78" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestCreditedToPolicyholdersAccountBalances"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7160-ba0e-b1432cda6148" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestCreditedToPolicyholdersAccountBalances_019e07fc-4261-72b4-b6ef-047769a88c78" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndPresentValueOfFutureProfitsAmortization1_019e07fc-4261-7124-b9ff-7937afad407d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndPresentValueOfFutureProfitsAmortization1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7160-ba0e-b1432cda6148" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndPresentValueOfFutureProfitsAmortization1_019e07fc-4261-7124-b9ff-7937afad407d" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_019e07fc-4261-7c22-a57c-39a431b259e8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7160-ba0e-b1432cda6148" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_019e07fc-4261-7c22-a57c-39a431b259e8" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherExpenses_019e07fc-4261-7303-b79a-a55d09f85e7c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherExpenses"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7160-ba0e-b1432cda6148" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherExpenses_019e07fc-4261-7303-b79a-a55d09f85e7c" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_019e07fc-4261-782d-9064-9b5b6f97b35d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7160-ba0e-b1432cda6148" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_019e07fc-4261-782d-9064-9b5b6f97b35d" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_019e07fc-4261-70af-930a-44742ab4569d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7160-ba0e-b1432cda6148" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_019e07fc-4261-70af-930a-44742ab4569d" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact_019e07fc-4261-734f-b8c4-2436758bc30e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7160-ba0e-b1432cda6148" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact_019e07fc-4261-734f-b8c4-2436758bc30e" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_019e07fc-4261-7bec-9bf1-12f95db561a5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7160-ba0e-b1432cda6148" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_019e07fc-4261-7bec-9bf1-12f95db561a5" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses_019e07fc-4261-7687-a642-5b7b1c41ce1d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7160-ba0e-b1432cda6148" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses_019e07fc-4261-7687-a642-5b7b1c41ce1d" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome_019e07fc-4261-7e2a-8033-79b20d909b15" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7160-ba0e-b1432cda6148" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome_019e07fc-4261-7e2a-8033-79b20d909b15" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet_019e07fc-4261-7d35-9823-99b3ce111a4e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7160-ba0e-b1432cda6148" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet_019e07fc-4261-7d35-9823-99b3ce111a4e" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnOilAndGasHedgingActivity_019e07fc-4261-73d5-9c12-17e745036d5e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnOilAndGasHedgingActivity"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet_019e07fc-4261-7d35-9823-99b3ce111a4e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnOilAndGasHedgingActivity_019e07fc-4261-73d5-9c12-17e745036d5e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitChangeInFairValueGainLoss_019e07fc-4261-7f24-bdeb-c56649b6dbd2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitChangeInFairValueGainLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7160-ba0e-b1432cda6148" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitChangeInFairValueGainLoss_019e07fc-4261-7f24-bdeb-c56649b6dbd2" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_019e07fc-4261-7f0e-bd5a-698353812283" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7160-ba0e-b1432cda6148" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_019e07fc-4261-7f0e-bd5a-698353812283" xlink:type="arc" order="15"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRevenueExpenseNet_019e07fc-4261-714b-9d4a-c1587f2737fb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRevenueExpenseNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7160-ba0e-b1432cda6148" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRevenueExpenseNet_019e07fc-4261-714b-9d4a-c1587f2737fb" xlink:type="arc" order="16"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/SegmentInformationTotalAssetsbySegmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#SegmentInformationTotalAssetsbySegmentDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/SegmentInformationTotalAssetsbySegmentDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_019e07fc-4261-715b-af58-2d90ae32d762" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_019e07fc-4261-7fc8-95d4-5e2357a7123e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_019e07fc-4261-715b-af58-2d90ae32d762" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_019e07fc-4261-7fc8-95d4-5e2357a7123e" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_019e07fc-4261-77f1-9180-61f4726f53b6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_019e07fc-4261-7fc8-95d4-5e2357a7123e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_019e07fc-4261-77f1-9180-61f4726f53b6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_019e07fc-4261-77f1-9180-61f4726f53b6_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_019e07fc-4261-77f1-9180-61f4726f53b6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_019e07fc-4261-77f1-9180-61f4726f53b6_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_019e07fc-4261-7c5d-a6f8-3aaa256d67d5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_019e07fc-4261-77f1-9180-61f4726f53b6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_019e07fc-4261-7c5d-a6f8-3aaa256d67d5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_AnnuitiesMember_019e07fc-4261-7121-8138-9a71800decc3" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_AnnuitiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_019e07fc-4261-7c5d-a6f8-3aaa256d67d5" xlink:to="loc_bhf_AnnuitiesMember_019e07fc-4261-7121-8138-9a71800decc3" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_LifeMember_019e07fc-4261-781a-abe5-8398a82dd7ef" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_LifeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_019e07fc-4261-7c5d-a6f8-3aaa256d67d5" xlink:to="loc_bhf_LifeMember_019e07fc-4261-781a-abe5-8398a82dd7ef" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_RunoffMember_019e07fc-4261-7617-a1cd-e4d56a0ecfb9" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_RunoffMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_019e07fc-4261-7c5d-a6f8-3aaa256d67d5" xlink:to="loc_bhf_RunoffMember_019e07fc-4261-7617-a1cd-e4d56a0ecfb9" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember_019e07fc-4261-732e-b6af-8215e824d6ba" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_019e07fc-4261-7c5d-a6f8-3aaa256d67d5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember_019e07fc-4261-732e-b6af-8215e824d6ba" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_019e07fc-4261-7f9e-bfab-e41156d8a47a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_Assets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_019e07fc-4261-715b-af58-2d90ae32d762" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_019e07fc-4261-7f9e-bfab-e41156d8a47a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/SegmentInformationPremiumsUniversalLifeandInvestmentTypeProductPolicyFeesandOtherRevenuesbyMajorProductGroupDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#SegmentInformationPremiumsUniversalLifeandInvestmentTypeProductPolicyFeesandOtherRevenuesbyMajorProductGroupDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/SegmentInformationPremiumsUniversalLifeandInvestmentTypeProductPolicyFeesandOtherRevenuesbyMajorProductGroupDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7c41-b755-55ae63be0b16" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_019e07fc-4261-7d69-b428-dedd6374ea76" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7c41-b755-55ae63be0b16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_019e07fc-4261-7d69-b428-dedd6374ea76" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4261-7e69-aa85-bcde936b66ea" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_019e07fc-4261-7d69-b428-dedd6374ea76" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4261-7e69-aa85-bcde936b66ea" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4261-7e69-aa85-bcde936b66ea_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4261-7e69-aa85-bcde936b66ea" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4261-7e69-aa85-bcde936b66ea_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4261-7064-b89c-407056196ff8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4261-7e69-aa85-bcde936b66ea" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4261-7064-b89c-407056196ff8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsSegmentMember_019e07fc-4261-720b-8ca7-d16585e6a2f9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4261-7064-b89c-407056196ff8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsSegmentMember_019e07fc-4261-720b-8ca7-d16585e6a2f9" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LifeInsuranceSegmentMember_019e07fc-4261-7fca-b0fd-ce78bcae5b53" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LifeInsuranceSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4261-7064-b89c-407056196ff8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LifeInsuranceSegmentMember_019e07fc-4261-7fca-b0fd-ce78bcae5b53" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccidentAndHealthInsuranceSegmentMember_019e07fc-4261-7ef6-8a23-c56cde6ad7b3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccidentAndHealthInsuranceSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4261-7064-b89c-407056196ff8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccidentAndHealthInsuranceSegmentMember_019e07fc-4261-7ef6-8a23-c56cde6ad7b3" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InsuranceServicesRevenue_019e07fc-4261-716b-b90c-3edd6a6af49d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InsuranceServicesRevenue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7c41-b755-55ae63be0b16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InsuranceServicesRevenue_019e07fc-4261-716b-b90c-3edd6a6af49d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InsuranceLiabilitiesFuturePolicyBenefitsInformationbyProductDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#InsuranceLiabilitiesFuturePolicyBenefitsInformationbyProductDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InsuranceLiabilitiesFuturePolicyBenefitsInformationbyProductDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitByProductSegmentLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7817-92f5-42153bca0eae" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitByProductSegmentLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitByProductSegmentTable_019e07fc-4261-7808-8ece-9c8056ac969e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitByProductSegmentTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitByProductSegmentLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7817-92f5-42153bca0eae" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitByProductSegmentTable_019e07fc-4261-7808-8ece-9c8056ac969e" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4261-7775-a787-48eb71ed3cc4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitByProductSegmentTable_019e07fc-4261-7808-8ece-9c8056ac969e" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4261-7775-a787-48eb71ed3cc4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4261-7775-a787-48eb71ed3cc4_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4261-7775-a787-48eb71ed3cc4" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4261-7775-a787-48eb71ed3cc4_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4261-7970-a3a8-34aeb40bc3a6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4261-7775-a787-48eb71ed3cc4" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4261-7970-a3a8-34aeb40bc3a6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_TermWholeLifeInsuranceMember_019e07fc-4261-7019-848d-16f43e1fb050" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_TermWholeLifeInsuranceMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4261-7970-a3a8-34aeb40bc3a6" xlink:to="loc_bhf_TermWholeLifeInsuranceMember_019e07fc-4261-7019-848d-16f43e1fb050" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImmediateVariableAnnuityMember_019e07fc-4261-7864-8d2f-61c5badf916e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ImmediateVariableAnnuityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4261-7970-a3a8-34aeb40bc3a6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImmediateVariableAnnuityMember_019e07fc-4261-7864-8d2f-61c5badf916e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_StructuredSettlementAndPensionRiskTransferAnnuitiesMember_019e07fc-4261-7e35-b1fd-36d165b4a735" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_StructuredSettlementAndPensionRiskTransferAnnuitiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4261-7970-a3a8-34aeb40bc3a6" xlink:to="loc_bhf_StructuredSettlementAndPensionRiskTransferAnnuitiesMember_019e07fc-4261-7e35-b1fd-36d165b4a735" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumRollForward_019e07fc-4261-783d-86fe-60cc0147de5d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitByProductSegmentLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7817-92f5-42153bca0eae" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumRollForward_019e07fc-4261-783d-86fe-60cc0147de5d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumBeforeReinsuranceAfterDiscountRateChange_019e07fc-4261-7295-83cc-9e19f401fa62" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumBeforeReinsuranceAfterDiscountRateChange"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumRollForward_019e07fc-4261-783d-86fe-60cc0147de5d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumBeforeReinsuranceAfterDiscountRateChange_019e07fc-4261-7295-83cc-9e19f401fa62" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumOriginalDiscountRateBeforeCashFlowAndReinsurance_019e07fc-4261-7829-8bb2-db0e48bb558e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumOriginalDiscountRateBeforeCashFlowAndReinsurance"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumRollForward_019e07fc-4261-783d-86fe-60cc0147de5d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumOriginalDiscountRateBeforeCashFlowAndReinsurance_019e07fc-4261-7829-8bb2-db0e48bb558e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumCumulativeIncreaseDecreaseFromModelRefinements_019e7023-7b10-7b21-bf57-374c0b16bbd4" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumCumulativeIncreaseDecreaseFromModelRefinements"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumRollForward_019e07fc-4261-783d-86fe-60cc0147de5d" xlink:to="loc_bhf_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumCumulativeIncreaseDecreaseFromModelRefinements_019e7023-7b10-7b21-bf57-374c0b16bbd4" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumCumulativeIncreaseDecreaseOfActualVarianceFromExpectedExperience_019e07fc-4261-77d0-86d8-1ba6cb399aa9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumCumulativeIncreaseDecreaseOfActualVarianceFromExpectedExperience"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumRollForward_019e07fc-4261-783d-86fe-60cc0147de5d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumCumulativeIncreaseDecreaseOfActualVarianceFromExpectedExperience_019e07fc-4261-77d0-86d8-1ba6cb399aa9" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumOriginalDiscountRateBeforeReinsuranceAfterCashFlowChange_019e07fc-4261-71d6-99d5-03d8ab329fbb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumOriginalDiscountRateBeforeReinsuranceAfterCashFlowChange"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumRollForward_019e07fc-4261-783d-86fe-60cc0147de5d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumOriginalDiscountRateBeforeReinsuranceAfterCashFlowChange_019e07fc-4261-71d6-99d5-03d8ab329fbb" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumIssuance_019e07fc-4261-7f47-97d3-09b4d543406f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumIssuance"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumRollForward_019e07fc-4261-783d-86fe-60cc0147de5d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumIssuance_019e07fc-4261-7f47-97d3-09b4d543406f" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumInterestIncome_019e07fc-4261-7763-9ec6-ca0ebc5c71b3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumInterestIncome"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumRollForward_019e07fc-4261-783d-86fe-60cc0147de5d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumInterestIncome_019e07fc-4261-7763-9ec6-ca0ebc5c71b3" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumNetPremiumCollected_019e07fc-4261-7f15-832e-5035664871ff" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumNetPremiumCollected"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumRollForward_019e07fc-4261-783d-86fe-60cc0147de5d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumNetPremiumCollected_019e07fc-4261-7f15-832e-5035664871ff" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AociLiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumBeforeTax_019e07fc-4261-7c55-a453-bd3275b40b97" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AociLiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumBeforeTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumRollForward_019e07fc-4261-783d-86fe-60cc0147de5d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AociLiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedNetPremiumBeforeTax_019e07fc-4261-7c55-a453-bd3275b40b97" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4261-76bb-bb5f-c804a91632c6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitByProductSegmentLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7817-92f5-42153bca0eae" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4261-76bb-bb5f-c804a91632c6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitBeforeReinsuranceAfterDiscountRateChange_019e07fc-4261-7c0f-b788-e9449063e8cc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitBeforeReinsuranceAfterDiscountRateChange"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4261-76bb-bb5f-c804a91632c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitBeforeReinsuranceAfterDiscountRateChange_019e07fc-4261-7c0f-b788-e9449063e8cc" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitOriginalDiscountRateBeforeCashFlowAndReinsurance_019e07fc-4261-7fc9-a4b8-3f8947465ec8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitOriginalDiscountRateBeforeCashFlowAndReinsurance"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4261-76bb-bb5f-c804a91632c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitOriginalDiscountRateBeforeCashFlowAndReinsurance_019e07fc-4261-7fc9-a4b8-3f8947465ec8" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitCumulativeIncreaseDecreaseFromModelRefinements_019e07fc-4261-783e-afb4-542b9fedaae1" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitCumulativeIncreaseDecreaseFromModelRefinements"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4261-76bb-bb5f-c804a91632c6" xlink:to="loc_bhf_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitCumulativeIncreaseDecreaseFromModelRefinements_019e07fc-4261-783e-afb4-542b9fedaae1" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitCumulativeIncreaseDecreaseOfActualVarianceFromExpectedExperience_019e07fc-4261-749f-9f9e-009e565bfc2d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitCumulativeIncreaseDecreaseOfActualVarianceFromExpectedExperience"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4261-76bb-bb5f-c804a91632c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitCumulativeIncreaseDecreaseOfActualVarianceFromExpectedExperience_019e07fc-4261-749f-9f9e-009e565bfc2d" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFutureBenefitOriginalDiscountRateBeforeReinsuranceAfterCashFlowChange_019e07fc-4261-7b41-9d1d-54da63baecdf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFutureBenefitOriginalDiscountRateBeforeReinsuranceAfterCashFlowChange"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4261-76bb-bb5f-c804a91632c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFutureBenefitOriginalDiscountRateBeforeReinsuranceAfterCashFlowChange_019e07fc-4261-7b41-9d1d-54da63baecdf" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitIssuance_019e07fc-4261-79ba-9223-8773b03a03d7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitIssuance"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4261-76bb-bb5f-c804a91632c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitIssuance_019e07fc-4261-79ba-9223-8773b03a03d7" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitInterestExpense_019e07fc-4261-75ad-a37f-e732ead41117" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitInterestExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4261-76bb-bb5f-c804a91632c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitInterestExpense_019e07fc-4261-75ad-a37f-e732ead41117" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitsPaymentForBenefits_019e07fc-4261-76af-93df-432afe03e99d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitsPaymentForBenefits"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4261-76bb-bb5f-c804a91632c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitsPaymentForBenefits_019e07fc-4261-76af-93df-432afe03e99d" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AociLiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitBeforeTax_019e07fc-4261-7b7f-ab52-0355907357b3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AociLiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitBeforeTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4261-76bb-bb5f-c804a91632c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AociLiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitBeforeTax_019e07fc-4261-7b7f-ab52-0355907357b3" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefits_019e07fc-4261-7c34-9fb4-13f2697946f7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefits"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4261-76bb-bb5f-c804a91632c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefits_019e07fc-4261-7c34-9fb4-13f2697946f7" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitReinsuranceRecoverableAfterAllowance_019e07fc-4261-79eb-8d04-fe25408b1768" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitReinsuranceRecoverableAfterAllowance"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4261-76bb-bb5f-c804a91632c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitReinsuranceRecoverableAfterAllowance_019e07fc-4261-79eb-8d04-fe25408b1768" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitAfterReinsurance_019e07fc-4261-747d-95be-ef6c2eae6b73" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitAfterReinsurance"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4261-76bb-bb5f-c804a91632c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitAfterReinsurance_019e07fc-4261-747d-95be-ef6c2eae6b73" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitWeightedAverageDuration_019e07fc-4261-7d80-a8b4-ce622044cb9e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitWeightedAverageDuration"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4261-76bb-bb5f-c804a91632c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitWeightedAverageDuration_019e07fc-4261-7d80-a8b4-ce622044cb9e" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitWeightedAverageInterestAccretionRate_019e07fc-4261-7d3f-a493-daa1f92fc400" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitWeightedAverageInterestAccretionRate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4261-76bb-bb5f-c804a91632c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitWeightedAverageInterestAccretionRate_019e07fc-4261-7d3f-a493-daa1f92fc400" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitCurrentWeightedAverageDiscountRate_019e07fc-4261-7adb-8910-0b594fc37df2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitCurrentWeightedAverageDiscountRate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4261-76bb-bb5f-c804a91632c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitCurrentWeightedAverageDiscountRate_019e07fc-4261-7adb-8910-0b594fc37df2" xlink:type="arc" order="15"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitGrossPremiumIncome_019e07fc-4261-7e8f-a8d0-3d450fff1198" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitGrossPremiumIncome"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4261-76bb-bb5f-c804a91632c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitGrossPremiumIncome_019e07fc-4261-7e8f-a8d0-3d450fff1198" xlink:type="arc" order="16"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFutureGrossPremiumUndiscountedBeforeReinsurance_019e07fc-4261-7852-809e-2d4885c4dfb9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFutureGrossPremiumUndiscountedBeforeReinsurance"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4261-76bb-bb5f-c804a91632c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFutureGrossPremiumUndiscountedBeforeReinsurance_019e07fc-4261-7852-809e-2d4885c4dfb9" xlink:type="arc" order="17"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFutureGrossPremiumDiscountedBeforeReinsurance_019e07fc-4261-75b7-a6a9-bb7d23b5a1d0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFutureGrossPremiumDiscountedBeforeReinsurance"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4261-76bb-bb5f-c804a91632c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFutureGrossPremiumDiscountedBeforeReinsurance_019e07fc-4261-75b7-a6a9-bb7d23b5a1d0" xlink:type="arc" order="18"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitUndiscountedBeforeReinsurance_019e07fc-4261-7b1e-b94d-c6dbb3cfcd81" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitUndiscountedBeforeReinsurance"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4261-76bb-bb5f-c804a91632c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitUndiscountedBeforeReinsurance_019e07fc-4261-7b1e-b94d-c6dbb3cfcd81" xlink:type="arc" order="19"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitDiscountedBeforeReinsurance_019e07fc-4261-7d06-94ff-0aeb07baf7b4" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitDiscountedBeforeReinsurance"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4261-76bb-bb5f-c804a91632c6" xlink:to="loc_bhf_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitExpectedFuturePolicyBenefitDiscountedBeforeReinsurance_019e07fc-4261-7d06-94ff-0aeb07baf7b4" xlink:type="arc" order="20"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InsuranceLiabilitiesFuturePolicyBenefitsSOPDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#InsuranceLiabilitiesFuturePolicyBenefitsSOPDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InsuranceLiabilitiesFuturePolicyBenefitsSOPDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7d62-af6d-28d36bd3fc63" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceActivityTable_019e07fc-4261-79d5-986f-dfb28298e91d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceActivityTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7d62-af6d-28d36bd3fc63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceActivityTable_019e07fc-4261-79d5-986f-dfb28298e91d" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4261-7304-af8f-2d051c188291" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceActivityTable_019e07fc-4261-79d5-986f-dfb28298e91d" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4261-7304-af8f-2d051c188291" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4261-7304-af8f-2d051c188291_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4261-7304-af8f-2d051c188291" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4261-7304-af8f-2d051c188291_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4261-73c6-8927-1c9a1394a25f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4261-7304-af8f-2d051c188291" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4261-73c6-8927-1c9a1394a25f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_UniversalLifeInsuranceWithSecondaryGuaranteesMember_019e07fc-4261-7847-8eaf-a200091e6a95" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_UniversalLifeInsuranceWithSecondaryGuaranteesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4261-73c6-8927-1c9a1394a25f" xlink:to="loc_bhf_UniversalLifeInsuranceWithSecondaryGuaranteesMember_019e07fc-4261-7847-8eaf-a200091e6a95" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceBeforeReinsuranceAfterDiscountRateChange_019e07fc-4261-7d25-8c10-dc5d201bc11d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceBeforeReinsuranceAfterDiscountRateChange"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7d62-af6d-28d36bd3fc63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceBeforeReinsuranceAfterDiscountRateChange_019e07fc-4261-7d25-8c10-dc5d201bc11d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceOriginalDiscountRateBeforeCashFlowAndReinsurance_019e07fc-4261-7b78-a0dd-39cea3302d25" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceOriginalDiscountRateBeforeCashFlowAndReinsurance"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7d62-af6d-28d36bd3fc63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceOriginalDiscountRateBeforeCashFlowAndReinsurance_019e07fc-4261-7b78-a0dd-39cea3302d25" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceCumulativeIncreaseDecreaseOfActualVarianceFromExpectedExperience_019e07fc-4261-79f7-87b3-4cae297b59df" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceCumulativeIncreaseDecreaseOfActualVarianceFromExpectedExperience"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7d62-af6d-28d36bd3fc63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceCumulativeIncreaseDecreaseOfActualVarianceFromExpectedExperience_019e07fc-4261-79f7-87b3-4cae297b59df" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceOriginalDiscountRateBeforeReinsuranceAfterCashFlowChange_019e07fc-4261-7257-b5c1-af9e5bf5c175" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceOriginalDiscountRateBeforeReinsuranceAfterCashFlowChange"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7d62-af6d-28d36bd3fc63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceOriginalDiscountRateBeforeReinsuranceAfterCashFlowChange_019e07fc-4261-7257-b5c1-af9e5bf5c175" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceInterestIncomeExpense_019e07fc-4261-7a0f-aaac-83fa66a1dde5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceInterestIncomeExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7d62-af6d-28d36bd3fc63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceInterestIncomeExpense_019e07fc-4261-7a0f-aaac-83fa66a1dde5" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceNetPremiumCollected_019e07fc-4262-7851-bb08-832050de1e3a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceNetPremiumCollected"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7d62-af6d-28d36bd3fc63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceNetPremiumCollected_019e07fc-4262-7851-bb08-832050de1e3a" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceBenefitPayment_019e07fc-4262-7804-83e6-bbdc677b20ab" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceBenefitPayment"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7d62-af6d-28d36bd3fc63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceBenefitPayment_019e07fc-4262-7804-83e6-bbdc677b20ab" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AociLiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitBeforeTax_019e07fc-4262-7ce8-ac7a-4222f8968f1a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AociLiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitBeforeTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7d62-af6d-28d36bd3fc63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AociLiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitBeforeTax_019e07fc-4262-7ce8-ac7a-4222f8968f1a" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceReinsuranceRecoverableAfterAllowance_019e07fc-4262-79db-8380-0dc153e30bba" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceReinsuranceRecoverableAfterAllowance"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7d62-af6d-28d36bd3fc63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceReinsuranceRecoverableAfterAllowance_019e07fc-4262-79db-8380-0dc153e30bba" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceAfterReinsurance_019e07fc-4262-7aba-bdee-7c97b4ff01d5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceAfterReinsurance"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7d62-af6d-28d36bd3fc63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceAfterReinsurance_019e07fc-4262-7aba-bdee-7c97b4ff01d5" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceWeightedAverageDuration_019e07fc-4262-7d2d-b654-f81df7ab6222" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceWeightedAverageDuration"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7d62-af6d-28d36bd3fc63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceWeightedAverageDuration_019e07fc-4262-7d2d-b654-f81df7ab6222" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceWeightedAverageInterestAccretionRate_019e07fc-4262-7f05-bb70-02c2ff86b134" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceWeightedAverageInterestAccretionRate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7d62-af6d-28d36bd3fc63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceWeightedAverageInterestAccretionRate_019e07fc-4262-7f05-bb70-02c2ff86b134" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceGrossPremiumIncome_019e07fc-4262-788a-a87e-40cca114efbc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceGrossPremiumIncome"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceLineItems_019e07fc-4261-7d62-af6d-28d36bd3fc63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceGrossPremiumIncome_019e07fc-4262-788a-a87e-40cca114efbc" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InsuranceLiabilitiesFuturePolicyBenefitsReconciliationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#InsuranceLiabilitiesFuturePolicyBenefitsReconciliationDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InsuranceLiabilitiesFuturePolicyBenefitsReconciliationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitByProductSegmentLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7707-bf6e-2d243a055963" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitByProductSegmentLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitByProductSegmentTable_019e07fc-4262-772e-8559-8998ba668028" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitByProductSegmentTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitByProductSegmentLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7707-bf6e-2d243a055963" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitByProductSegmentTable_019e07fc-4262-772e-8559-8998ba668028" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-7f6c-96a9-63df4c095843" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitByProductSegmentTable_019e07fc-4262-772e-8559-8998ba668028" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-7f6c-96a9-63df4c095843" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7f6c-96a9-63df4c095843_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-7f6c-96a9-63df4c095843" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7f6c-96a9-63df4c095843_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-78b8-9f99-f1091323c728" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-7f6c-96a9-63df4c095843" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-78b8-9f99-f1091323c728" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_NetLiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitsForNonparticipatingTraditionalLimitedPaymentContractsAndUniversalLifeTypeContractsWithSecondaryGuaranteesReportedInPrecedingTablesMember_019e07fc-4262-7fa3-95f7-5129a4e0e698" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_NetLiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitsForNonparticipatingTraditionalLimitedPaymentContractsAndUniversalLifeTypeContractsWithSecondaryGuaranteesReportedInPrecedingTablesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-78b8-9f99-f1091323c728" xlink:to="loc_bhf_NetLiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitsForNonparticipatingTraditionalLimitedPaymentContractsAndUniversalLifeTypeContractsWithSecondaryGuaranteesReportedInPrecedingTablesMember_019e07fc-4262-7fa3-95f7-5129a4e0e698" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_LongTermCareInsuranceMember_019e07fc-4262-71e3-9b5c-fc12e8d38e6e" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_LongTermCareInsuranceMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-78b8-9f99-f1091323c728" xlink:to="loc_bhf_LongTermCareInsuranceMember_019e07fc-4262-71e3-9b5c-fc12e8d38e6e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_ULSGLiabilityForProfitsFollowedByLossesIncludingTheEffectsOfUnrealizedGainsAndLossesMember_019e07fc-4262-7748-9091-9cfe8c0fbb4c" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_ULSGLiabilityForProfitsFollowedByLossesIncludingTheEffectsOfUnrealizedGainsAndLossesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-78b8-9f99-f1091323c728" xlink:to="loc_bhf_ULSGLiabilityForProfitsFollowedByLossesIncludingTheEffectsOfUnrealizedGainsAndLossesMember_019e07fc-4262-7748-9091-9cfe8c0fbb4c" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ParticipatingLifeInsurancePolicyMember_019e07fc-4262-724f-b686-ec4f7396c36b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ParticipatingLifeInsurancePolicyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-78b8-9f99-f1091323c728" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ParticipatingLifeInsurancePolicyMember_019e07fc-4262-724f-b686-ec4f7396c36b" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_DeferredProfitLiabilitiesRelatedToIncomeStructuredSettlementAndPensionTransferRiskAnnuitiesMember_019e07fc-4262-7140-a8ea-bf661eddb155" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_DeferredProfitLiabilitiesRelatedToIncomeStructuredSettlementAndPensionTransferRiskAnnuitiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-78b8-9f99-f1091323c728" xlink:to="loc_bhf_DeferredProfitLiabilitiesRelatedToIncomeStructuredSettlementAndPensionTransferRiskAnnuitiesMember_019e07fc-4262-7140-a8ea-bf661eddb155" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLongdurationInsuranceProductLineMember_019e07fc-4262-7e5f-a278-1098da3d692f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLongdurationInsuranceProductLineMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-78b8-9f99-f1091323c728" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLongdurationInsuranceProductLineMember_019e07fc-4262-7e5f-a278-1098da3d692f" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefits_019e07fc-4262-7502-aeff-d0087549b71d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefits"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitByProductSegmentLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7707-bf6e-2d243a055963" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefits_019e07fc-4262-7502-aeff-d0087549b71d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InsuranceLiabilitiesPolicyholderAccountBalancesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#InsuranceLiabilitiesPolicyholderAccountBalancesDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InsuranceLiabilitiesPolicyholderAccountBalancesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7e3f-b218-9a014bd31731" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceTable_019e07fc-4262-7ae3-84c9-fc2970781fe6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7e3f-b218-9a014bd31731" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceTable_019e07fc-4262-7ae3-84c9-fc2970781fe6" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-71da-a401-e44cbd10689d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceTable_019e07fc-4262-7ae3-84c9-fc2970781fe6" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-71da-a401-e44cbd10689d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-71da-a401-e44cbd10689d_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-71da-a401-e44cbd10689d" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-71da-a401-e44cbd10689d_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-71d1-9fea-f0f81d7708e6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-71da-a401-e44cbd10689d" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-71d1-9fea-f0f81d7708e6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UniversalLifeMember_019e07fc-4262-77fa-9d0e-248098cdedda" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_UniversalLifeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-71d1-9fea-f0f81d7708e6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UniversalLifeMember_019e07fc-4262-77fa-9d0e-248098cdedda" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableAnnuityMember_019e07fc-4262-7213-94a6-ad36b869a9f1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_VariableAnnuityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-71d1-9fea-f0f81d7708e6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableAnnuityMember_019e07fc-4262-7213-94a6-ad36b869a9f1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndexedAnnuityMember_019e07fc-4262-7055-ae42-f0202832c645" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IndexedAnnuityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-71d1-9fea-f0f81d7708e6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndexedAnnuityMember_019e07fc-4262-7055-ae42-f0202832c645" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FixedAnnuityMember_019e07fc-4262-734c-86a7-a951f1cfdb83" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FixedAnnuityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-71d1-9fea-f0f81d7708e6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FixedAnnuityMember_019e07fc-4262-734c-86a7-a951f1cfdb83" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_UniversalLifeInsuranceWithSecondaryGuaranteesMember_019e07fc-4262-7e10-bcff-82aecae950f4" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_UniversalLifeInsuranceWithSecondaryGuaranteesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-71d1-9fea-f0f81d7708e6" xlink:to="loc_bhf_UniversalLifeInsuranceWithSecondaryGuaranteesMember_019e07fc-4262-7e10-bcff-82aecae950f4" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_CompanyOwnedLifeInsuranceMember_019e07fc-4262-736f-aeae-41d2a050c473" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_CompanyOwnedLifeInsuranceMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-71d1-9fea-f0f81d7708e6" xlink:to="loc_bhf_CompanyOwnedLifeInsuranceMember_019e07fc-4262-736f-aeae-41d2a050c473" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderFunds_019e07fc-4262-7662-940a-958f66c93612" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderFunds"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7e3f-b218-9a014bd31731" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderFunds_019e07fc-4262-7662-940a-958f66c93612" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalancePremiumReceived_019e07fc-4262-7cc4-8d4f-ae62fc122045" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalancePremiumReceived"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7e3f-b218-9a014bd31731" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalancePremiumReceived_019e07fc-4262-7cc4-8d4f-ae62fc122045" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceSurrenderAndWithdrawal_019e07fc-4262-7ee5-b51c-fea02e06645c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceSurrenderAndWithdrawal"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7e3f-b218-9a014bd31731" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceSurrenderAndWithdrawal_019e07fc-4262-7ee5-b51c-fea02e06645c" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceBenefitPayment_019e07fc-4262-74b3-8ec9-d7092e6c4d8e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceBenefitPayment"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7e3f-b218-9a014bd31731" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceBenefitPayment_019e07fc-4262-74b3-8ec9-d7092e6c4d8e" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransferToFromPolicyholderAccountBalanceToFromSeparateAccount_019e07fc-4262-7093-93d5-94a582c9095e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TransferToFromPolicyholderAccountBalanceToFromSeparateAccount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7e3f-b218-9a014bd31731" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransferToFromPolicyholderAccountBalanceToFromSeparateAccount_019e07fc-4262-7093-93d5-94a582c9095e" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestCreditedToPolicyholdersAccountBalances_019e07fc-4262-71b3-b8e7-13648c564a43" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestCreditedToPolicyholdersAccountBalances"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7e3f-b218-9a014bd31731" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestCreditedToPolicyholdersAccountBalances_019e07fc-4262-71b3-b8e7-13648c564a43" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalancePolicyCharge_019e07fc-4262-730a-8831-ac41eea768b0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalancePolicyCharge"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7e3f-b218-9a014bd31731" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalancePolicyCharge_019e07fc-4262-730a-8831-ac41eea768b0" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceIncreaseDecreaseFromOtherChange_019e07fc-4262-7c92-b698-8404d3e27ce0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceIncreaseDecreaseFromOtherChange"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7e3f-b218-9a014bd31731" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceIncreaseDecreaseFromOtherChange_019e07fc-4262-7c92-b698-8404d3e27ce0" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderFunds_019e07fc-4262-7768-908b-995792794dce" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderFunds"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceWeightedAverageCreditingRate_019e07fc-4262-789f-85ae-f566f9c37971" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceWeightedAverageCreditingRate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7e3f-b218-9a014bd31731" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceWeightedAverageCreditingRate_019e07fc-4262-789f-85ae-f566f9c37971" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InsuranceLiabilitiesReconciliationofPolicyholderAccountBalancesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#InsuranceLiabilitiesReconciliationofPolicyholderAccountBalancesDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InsuranceLiabilitiesReconciliationofPolicyholderAccountBalancesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7094-9668-6cd294333869" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceTable_019e07fc-4262-766c-8235-84e0882ad8d1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7094-9668-6cd294333869" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceTable_019e07fc-4262-766c-8235-84e0882ad8d1" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-75ec-ae87-7e1657740edf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceTable_019e07fc-4262-766c-8235-84e0882ad8d1" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-75ec-ae87-7e1657740edf" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-75ec-ae87-7e1657740edf_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-75ec-ae87-7e1657740edf" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-75ec-ae87-7e1657740edf_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-70d2-9455-7e6d4aeca6c6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-75ec-ae87-7e1657740edf" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-70d2-9455-7e6d4aeca6c6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_RollforwardsTotalMember_019e07fc-4262-79c2-a0e1-a45b4d5d36f6" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_RollforwardsTotalMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-70d2-9455-7e6d4aeca6c6" xlink:to="loc_bhf_RollforwardsTotalMember_019e07fc-4262-79c2-a0e1-a45b4d5d36f6" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_InstitutionalSpreadMarginMember_019e07fc-4262-73dd-9bbe-d8830fc884b0" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_InstitutionalSpreadMarginMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-70d2-9455-7e6d4aeca6c6" xlink:to="loc_bhf_InstitutionalSpreadMarginMember_019e07fc-4262-73dd-9bbe-d8830fc884b0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_InstitutionalGroupAnnuitiesMember_019e07fc-4262-7e72-bf32-aabcc18f8a42" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_InstitutionalGroupAnnuitiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-70d2-9455-7e6d4aeca6c6" xlink:to="loc_bhf_InstitutionalGroupAnnuitiesMember_019e07fc-4262-7e72-bf32-aabcc18f8a42" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsSegmentMember_019e07fc-4262-766d-8d03-ccd69698f4e1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-70d2-9455-7e6d4aeca6c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsSegmentMember_019e07fc-4262-766d-8d03-ccd69698f4e1" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderFunds_019e07fc-4262-7d1b-8d0f-36d92a7e5b74" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderFunds"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7094-9668-6cd294333869" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderFunds_019e07fc-4262-7d1b-8d0f-36d92a7e5b74" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InsuranceLiabilitiesBalanceofAccountValuesbyrangeofguaranteedminimumcreditingratesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#InsuranceLiabilitiesBalanceofAccountValuesbyrangeofguaranteedminimumcreditingratesDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InsuranceLiabilitiesBalanceofAccountValuesbyrangeofguaranteedminimumcreditingratesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateLineItems_019e07fc-4262-753c-bcc1-bb9df78d7154" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateTable_019e07fc-4262-7139-aa33-62c83b0bf489" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateLineItems_019e07fc-4262-753c-bcc1-bb9df78d7154" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateTable_019e07fc-4262-7139-aa33-62c83b0bf489" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceAboveGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateAxis_019e07fc-4262-7b89-a93d-0cce20914017" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceAboveGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateTable_019e07fc-4262-7139-aa33-62c83b0bf489" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceAboveGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateAxis_019e07fc-4262-7b89-a93d-0cce20914017" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceAboveGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateDomain_019e07fc-4262-7b89-a93d-0cce20914017_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceAboveGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceAboveGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateAxis_019e07fc-4262-7b89-a93d-0cce20914017" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceAboveGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateDomain_019e07fc-4262-7b89-a93d-0cce20914017_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceAboveGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateDomain_019e07fc-4262-7307-ae11-57827df2f99f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceAboveGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceAboveGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateAxis_019e07fc-4262-7b89-a93d-0cce20914017" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceAboveGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateDomain_019e07fc-4262-7307-ae11-57827df2f99f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceAtGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateMember_019e07fc-4262-7de7-82ec-f08a2c3817ca" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceAtGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceAboveGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateDomain_019e07fc-4262-7307-ae11-57827df2f99f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceAtGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateMember_019e07fc-4262-7de7-82ec-f08a2c3817ca" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceAboveGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateRangeFrom0001To0050Member_019e07fc-4262-72b9-954e-8d5959f64aae" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceAboveGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateRangeFrom0001To0050Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceAboveGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateDomain_019e07fc-4262-7307-ae11-57827df2f99f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceAboveGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateRangeFrom0001To0050Member_019e07fc-4262-72b9-954e-8d5959f64aae" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceAboveGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateRangeFrom0051To0150Member_019e07fc-4262-7ea4-90ce-8b85dd2f56a2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceAboveGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateRangeFrom0051To0150Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceAboveGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateDomain_019e07fc-4262-7307-ae11-57827df2f99f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceAboveGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateRangeFrom0051To0150Member_019e07fc-4262-7ea4-90ce-8b85dd2f56a2" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceAboveGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateRangeFrom0151AndGreaterMember_019e07fc-4262-70ae-a9ef-6fe0275dce73" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceAboveGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateRangeFrom0151AndGreaterMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceAboveGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateDomain_019e07fc-4262-7307-ae11-57827df2f99f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceAboveGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateRangeFrom0151AndGreaterMember_019e07fc-4262-70ae-a9ef-6fe0275dce73" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateRangeAxis_019e07fc-4262-755e-9483-e20fedaa66f9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateRangeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateTable_019e07fc-4262-7139-aa33-62c83b0bf489" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateRangeAxis_019e07fc-4262-755e-9483-e20fedaa66f9" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateRangeDomain_019e07fc-4262-755e-9483-e20fedaa66f9_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateRangeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateRangeAxis_019e07fc-4262-755e-9483-e20fedaa66f9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateRangeDomain_019e07fc-4262-755e-9483-e20fedaa66f9_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateRangeDomain_019e07fc-4262-7d62-9f0f-fad2a9c8aa75" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateRangeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateRangeAxis_019e07fc-4262-755e-9483-e20fedaa66f9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateRangeDomain_019e07fc-4262-7d62-9f0f-fad2a9c8aa75" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateRangeLessThan0200Member_019e07fc-4262-7786-9149-db575a588219" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateRangeLessThan0200Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateRangeDomain_019e07fc-4262-7d62-9f0f-fad2a9c8aa75" xlink:to="loc_bhf_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateRangeLessThan0200Member_019e07fc-4262-7786-9149-db575a588219" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateRangeFrom0200To0399Member_019e07fc-4262-7e19-9b52-35f636a16a9a" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateRangeFrom0200To0399Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateRangeDomain_019e07fc-4262-7d62-9f0f-fad2a9c8aa75" xlink:to="loc_bhf_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateRangeFrom0200To0399Member_019e07fc-4262-7e19-9b52-35f636a16a9a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateRangeFrom0400AndGreaterMember_019e07fc-4262-7bcb-ab14-821bfbb0a9b0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateRangeFrom0400AndGreaterMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateRangeDomain_019e07fc-4262-7d62-9f0f-fad2a9c8aa75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateRangeFrom0400AndGreaterMember_019e07fc-4262-7bcb-ab14-821bfbb0a9b0" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-7f79-83ac-62f944b1d223" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateTable_019e07fc-4262-7139-aa33-62c83b0bf489" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-7f79-83ac-62f944b1d223" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7f79-83ac-62f944b1d223_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-7f79-83ac-62f944b1d223" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7f79-83ac-62f944b1d223_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7fda-b20a-01a6c1c29fd6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-7f79-83ac-62f944b1d223" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7fda-b20a-01a6c1c29fd6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableAnnuityMember_019e07fc-4262-7e0d-8678-b772e2e805ba" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_VariableAnnuityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7fda-b20a-01a6c1c29fd6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableAnnuityMember_019e07fc-4262-7e0d-8678-b772e2e805ba" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LifeInsuranceSegmentMember_019e07fc-4262-7040-8a01-65e8097217e4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LifeInsuranceSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7fda-b20a-01a6c1c29fd6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LifeInsuranceSegmentMember_019e07fc-4262-7040-8a01-65e8097217e4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_UniversalLifeInsuranceWithSecondaryGuaranteesMember_019e07fc-4262-7f39-b615-7df5ea333e0e" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_UniversalLifeInsuranceWithSecondaryGuaranteesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7fda-b20a-01a6c1c29fd6" xlink:to="loc_bhf_UniversalLifeInsuranceWithSecondaryGuaranteesMember_019e07fc-4262-7f39-b615-7df5ea333e0e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_019e07fc-4262-73cc-910b-4f9572fd0aa4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateTable_019e07fc-4262-7139-aa33-62c83b0bf489" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_019e07fc-4262-73cc-910b-4f9572fd0aa4" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_019e07fc-4262-73cc-910b-4f9572fd0aa4_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_019e07fc-4262-73cc-910b-4f9572fd0aa4" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_019e07fc-4262-73cc-910b-4f9572fd0aa4_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_019e07fc-4262-7d11-8be2-cae6e076649b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_019e07fc-4262-73cc-910b-4f9572fd0aa4" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_019e07fc-4262-7d11-8be2-cae6e076649b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_019e07fc-4262-716d-8a72-80e72da20235" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_019e07fc-4262-7d11-8be2-cae6e076649b" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_019e07fc-4262-716d-8a72-80e72da20235" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_019e07fc-4262-7d92-b6d2-793b918f934c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_019e07fc-4262-7d11-8be2-cae6e076649b" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_019e07fc-4262-7d92-b6d2-793b918f934c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_PolicyholderAccountBalancesGrossOfPolicyLoansAndExcludesExcessingInterestReserves_019e07fc-4262-7d7f-900e-3e6b9861471e" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_PolicyholderAccountBalancesGrossOfPolicyLoansAndExcludesExcessingInterestReserves"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateLineItems_019e07fc-4262-753c-bcc1-bb9df78d7154" xlink:to="loc_bhf_PolicyholderAccountBalancesGrossOfPolicyLoansAndExcludesExcessingInterestReserves_019e07fc-4262-7d7f-900e-3e6b9861471e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditRating_019e07fc-4262-7281-b5d4-a972585f78ed" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditRating"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditingRateLineItems_019e07fc-4262-753c-bcc1-bb9df78d7154" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderAccountBalanceGuaranteedMinimumCreditRating_019e07fc-4262-7281-b5d4-a972585f78ed" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InsuranceLiabilitiesLiabilityforFuturePolicyBenefitsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#InsuranceLiabilitiesLiabilityforFuturePolicyBenefitsNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InsuranceLiabilitiesLiabilityforFuturePolicyBenefitsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7b39-bc74-5c81d3b711f9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceActivityTable_019e07fc-4262-7b24-ac3b-2ef2c27ba1b1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceActivityTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7b39-bc74-5c81d3b711f9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceActivityTable_019e07fc-4262-7b24-ac3b-2ef2c27ba1b1" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-7807-a26b-caee77fa5829" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceActivityTable_019e07fc-4262-7b24-ac3b-2ef2c27ba1b1" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-7807-a26b-caee77fa5829" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7807-a26b-caee77fa5829_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-7807-a26b-caee77fa5829" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7807-a26b-caee77fa5829_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-77db-b434-3bcb9efa8b2c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-7807-a26b-caee77fa5829" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-77db-b434-3bcb9efa8b2c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ParticipatingLifeInsurancePolicyMember_019e07fc-4262-7352-8108-8d887e12b164" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ParticipatingLifeInsurancePolicyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-77db-b434-3bcb9efa8b2c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ParticipatingLifeInsurancePolicyMember_019e07fc-4262-7352-8108-8d887e12b164" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_019e07fc-4262-7366-a1ae-2abc8bf557ce" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceActivityTable_019e07fc-4262-7b24-ac3b-2ef2c27ba1b1" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_019e07fc-4262-7366-a1ae-2abc8bf557ce" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_019e07fc-4262-7366-a1ae-2abc8bf557ce_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_019e07fc-4262-7366-a1ae-2abc8bf557ce" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_019e07fc-4262-7366-a1ae-2abc8bf557ce_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_019e07fc-4262-742c-9c1d-bba7ffd9091b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_019e07fc-4262-7366-a1ae-2abc8bf557ce" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_019e07fc-4262-742c-9c1d-bba7ffd9091b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_019e07fc-4262-7749-a54e-036ae48ede90" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_019e07fc-4262-742c-9c1d-bba7ffd9091b" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_019e07fc-4262-7749-a54e-036ae48ede90" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_019e07fc-4262-76d3-bfdf-5fe69a0dbaa1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_019e07fc-4262-742c-9c1d-bba7ffd9091b" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_019e07fc-4262-76d3-bfdf-5fe69a0dbaa1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitsInterestRate_019e07fc-4262-7af9-b033-f2d46fe71796" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitsInterestRate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7b39-bc74-5c81d3b711f9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitsInterestRate_019e07fc-4262-7af9-b033-f2d46fe71796" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ParticipatingPoliciesAsPercentageOfGrossInsuranceInForce_019e07fc-4262-74c1-8c4c-2fb1595e308b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ParticipatingPoliciesAsPercentageOfGrossInsuranceInForce"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7b39-bc74-5c81d3b711f9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ParticipatingPoliciesAsPercentageOfGrossInsuranceInForce_019e07fc-4262-74c1-8c4c-2fb1595e308b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ParticipatingPolicyPercentageOfPremiumIncome_019e07fc-4262-7d75-b9e0-e6299ba0be10" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ParticipatingPolicyPercentageOfPremiumIncome"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalLiabilityLongDurationInsuranceLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7b39-bc74-5c81d3b711f9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ParticipatingPolicyPercentageOfPremiumIncome_019e07fc-4262-7d75-b9e0-e6299ba0be10" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/MarketRiskBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#MarketRiskBenefitsDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/MarketRiskBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7603-8ea6-7dfee9c3d380" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitTable_019e07fc-4262-762a-aeba-86340ff1983a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7603-8ea6-7dfee9c3d380" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitTable_019e07fc-4262-762a-aeba-86340ff1983a" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-7ade-b5ad-d4ff7c011c62" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitTable_019e07fc-4262-762a-aeba-86340ff1983a" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-7ade-b5ad-d4ff7c011c62" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7ade-b5ad-d4ff7c011c62_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-7ade-b5ad-d4ff7c011c62" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7ade-b5ad-d4ff7c011c62_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7c4b-b973-60d1fe0bfad0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-7ade-b5ad-d4ff7c011c62" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7c4b-b973-60d1fe0bfad0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableAnnuityMember_019e07fc-4262-70a7-9c0c-6dbbf2d05bbd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_VariableAnnuityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7c4b-b973-60d1fe0bfad0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableAnnuityMember_019e07fc-4262-70a7-9c0c-6dbbf2d05bbd" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndexedAnnuityMember_019e07fc-4262-7a74-919b-83cd9da98c47" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IndexedAnnuityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7c4b-b973-60d1fe0bfad0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndexedAnnuityMember_019e07fc-4262-7a74-919b-83cd9da98c47" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4262-7051-b8be-13dffed3041a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7603-8ea6-7dfee9c3d380" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4262-7051-b8be-13dffed3041a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitAfterIncreaseDecreaseFromInstrumentSpecificCreditRisk_019e07fc-4262-72c7-b550-db9800a7de7e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitAfterIncreaseDecreaseFromInstrumentSpecificCreditRisk"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4262-7051-b8be-13dffed3041a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitAfterIncreaseDecreaseFromInstrumentSpecificCreditRisk_019e07fc-4262-72c7-b550-db9800a7de7e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitBeforeReinsuranceAndCumulativeIncreaseDecreaseFromInstrumentSpecificCreditRiskChange_019e07fc-4262-744d-ae32-a711e5b72057" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitBeforeReinsuranceAndCumulativeIncreaseDecreaseFromInstrumentSpecificCreditRiskChange"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4262-7051-b8be-13dffed3041a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitBeforeReinsuranceAndCumulativeIncreaseDecreaseFromInstrumentSpecificCreditRiskChange_019e07fc-4262-744d-ae32-a711e5b72057" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_MarketRiskBenefitDecrementsIncreaseDecrease_019e07fc-4262-7567-8764-a77f856bbca6" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_MarketRiskBenefitDecrementsIncreaseDecrease"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4262-7051-b8be-13dffed3041a" xlink:to="loc_bhf_MarketRiskBenefitDecrementsIncreaseDecrease_019e07fc-4262-7567-8764-a77f856bbca6" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitIncreaseDecreaseFromActualPolicyholderBehaviorDifferentFromExpected_019e07fc-4262-7e96-b0a1-1594a0147654" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitIncreaseDecreaseFromActualPolicyholderBehaviorDifferentFromExpected"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4262-7051-b8be-13dffed3041a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitIncreaseDecreaseFromActualPolicyholderBehaviorDifferentFromExpected_019e07fc-4262-7e96-b0a1-1594a0147654" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitIncreaseDecreaseFromInterestRateChange_019e07fc-4262-7b32-b4d4-da418fa467ea" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitIncreaseDecreaseFromInterestRateChange"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4262-7051-b8be-13dffed3041a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitIncreaseDecreaseFromInterestRateChange_019e07fc-4262-7b32-b4d4-da418fa467ea" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitIncreaseDecreaseFromEquityMarketChange_019e07fc-4262-7c38-a2b7-5570dd14d7e5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitIncreaseDecreaseFromEquityMarketChange"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4262-7051-b8be-13dffed3041a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitIncreaseDecreaseFromEquityMarketChange_019e07fc-4262-7c38-a2b7-5570dd14d7e5" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitIncreaseDecreaseFromVolatility_019e07fc-4262-77fd-bdc3-7a1d15404abc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitIncreaseDecreaseFromVolatility"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4262-7051-b8be-13dffed3041a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitIncreaseDecreaseFromVolatility_019e07fc-4262-77fd-bdc3-7a1d15404abc" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitIssuance_019e07fc-4262-7222-9e28-d3369a4f6f87" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitIssuance"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4262-7051-b8be-13dffed3041a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitIssuance_019e07fc-4262-7222-9e28-d3369a4f6f87" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_MarketRiskBenefitEffectOfChangesInRiskMargin_019e07fc-4262-70e6-9e86-4a692ad28d66" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_MarketRiskBenefitEffectOfChangesInRiskMargin"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4262-7051-b8be-13dffed3041a" xlink:to="loc_bhf_MarketRiskBenefitEffectOfChangesInRiskMargin_019e07fc-4262-70e6-9e86-4a692ad28d66" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitIncreaseDecreaseFromOtherAssumption_019e07fc-4262-7642-8550-1b8acce01464" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitIncreaseDecreaseFromOtherAssumption"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4262-7051-b8be-13dffed3041a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitIncreaseDecreaseFromOtherAssumption_019e07fc-4262-7642-8550-1b8acce01464" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitBeforeReinsuranceAndCumulativeIncreaseDecreaseFromInstrumentSpecificCreditRiskChange_019e07fc-4262-7248-a01a-0b09f97428af" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitBeforeReinsuranceAndCumulativeIncreaseDecreaseFromInstrumentSpecificCreditRiskChange"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AociMarketRiskBenefitInstrumentSpecificCreditRiskBeforeTax_019e07fc-4262-7957-8700-fe888b97641c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AociMarketRiskBenefitInstrumentSpecificCreditRiskBeforeTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4262-7051-b8be-13dffed3041a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AociMarketRiskBenefitInstrumentSpecificCreditRiskBeforeTax_019e07fc-4262-7957-8700-fe888b97641c" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitAfterIncreaseDecreaseFromInstrumentSpecificCreditRisk_019e07fc-4262-7f80-adb6-7573bdfa1353" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitAfterIncreaseDecreaseFromInstrumentSpecificCreditRisk"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitReinsuranceRecoverableAfterAllowance_019e07fc-4262-782c-9dcb-0d1e9e1968db" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitReinsuranceRecoverableAfterAllowance"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4262-7051-b8be-13dffed3041a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitReinsuranceRecoverableAfterAllowance_019e07fc-4262-782c-9dcb-0d1e9e1968db" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitAfterReinsuranceAndCumulativeIncreaseDecreaseFromInstrumentSpecificCreditRiskChange_019e07fc-4262-7d5b-93c0-8932eeb1fd5d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitAfterReinsuranceAndCumulativeIncreaseDecreaseFromInstrumentSpecificCreditRiskChange"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4262-7051-b8be-13dffed3041a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitAfterReinsuranceAndCumulativeIncreaseDecreaseFromInstrumentSpecificCreditRiskChange_019e07fc-4262-7d5b-93c0-8932eeb1fd5d" xlink:type="arc" order="15"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_MarketRiskBenefitWeightedAverageAttainedAgeOfContractHolder_019e07fc-4262-7b96-a491-72a10248599b" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_MarketRiskBenefitWeightedAverageAttainedAgeOfContractHolder"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitRollForward_019e07fc-4262-7051-b8be-13dffed3041a" xlink:to="loc_bhf_MarketRiskBenefitWeightedAverageAttainedAgeOfContractHolder_019e07fc-4262-7b96-a491-72a10248599b" xlink:type="arc" order="16"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/SeparateAccountsSeparateAccountLiabilityDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#SeparateAccountsSeparateAccountLiabilityDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/SeparateAccountsSeparateAccountLiabilityDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7db1-8e4d-b4c97808bac4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityTable_019e07fc-4262-71a4-b4b7-437f416a74eb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7db1-8e4d-b4c97808bac4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityTable_019e07fc-4262-71a4-b4b7-437f416a74eb" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-7450-8df4-faa81d29eceb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityTable_019e07fc-4262-71a4-b4b7-437f416a74eb" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-7450-8df4-faa81d29eceb" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7450-8df4-faa81d29eceb_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-7450-8df4-faa81d29eceb" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7450-8df4-faa81d29eceb_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7fe7-a2ad-6e275e3fc39a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-7450-8df4-faa81d29eceb" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7fe7-a2ad-6e275e3fc39a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableAnnuityMember_019e07fc-4262-72bf-9b19-330e621ec7a2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_VariableAnnuityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7fe7-a2ad-6e275e3fc39a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableAnnuityMember_019e07fc-4262-72bf-9b19-330e621ec7a2" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableUniversalLifeMember_019e07fc-4262-7236-b3ba-554d62e2e78b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_VariableUniversalLifeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7fe7-a2ad-6e275e3fc39a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableUniversalLifeMember_019e07fc-4262-7236-b3ba-554d62e2e78b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_CompanyOwnedLifeInsuranceMember_019e07fc-4262-708b-9872-1d883f6df70c" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_CompanyOwnedLifeInsuranceMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7fe7-a2ad-6e275e3fc39a" xlink:to="loc_bhf_CompanyOwnedLifeInsuranceMember_019e07fc-4262-708b-9872-1d883f6df70c" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountsLiability_019e07fc-4262-7eca-8039-f5d5b83cc731" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeparateAccountsLiability"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7db1-8e4d-b4c97808bac4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountsLiability_019e07fc-4262-7eca-8039-f5d5b83cc731" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityPremiumAndDeposit_019e07fc-4262-7dd2-8d5c-212768913947" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityPremiumAndDeposit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7db1-8e4d-b4c97808bac4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityPremiumAndDeposit_019e07fc-4262-7dd2-8d5c-212768913947" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilitySurrenderAndWithdrawal_019e07fc-4262-7047-b6ff-0ccc85bea9a0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilitySurrenderAndWithdrawal"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7db1-8e4d-b4c97808bac4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilitySurrenderAndWithdrawal_019e07fc-4262-7047-b6ff-0ccc85bea9a0" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityBenefitPayment_019e07fc-4262-7038-b71f-ee73c11b2f70" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityBenefitPayment"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7db1-8e4d-b4c97808bac4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityBenefitPayment_019e07fc-4262-7038-b71f-ee73c11b2f70" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityIncreaseDecreaseFromInvestedPerformance_019e07fc-4262-7c57-ad07-4ac7ae7206ae" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityIncreaseDecreaseFromInvestedPerformance"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7db1-8e4d-b4c97808bac4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityIncreaseDecreaseFromInvestedPerformance_019e07fc-4262-7c57-ad07-4ac7ae7206ae" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityPolicyCharge_019e07fc-4262-7004-abd7-d3e317b4314c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityPolicyCharge"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7db1-8e4d-b4c97808bac4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityPolicyCharge_019e07fc-4262-7004-abd7-d3e317b4314c" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransferToFromPolicyholderAccountBalanceToFromSeparateAccount_019e07fc-4262-7ad1-a023-faad50f7726d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TransferToFromPolicyholderAccountBalanceToFromSeparateAccount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7db1-8e4d-b4c97808bac4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransferToFromPolicyholderAccountBalanceToFromSeparateAccount_019e07fc-4262-7ad1-a023-faad50f7726d" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityIncreaseDecreaseFromOtherChange_019e07fc-4262-7d04-877e-9cf8ee97f1d0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityIncreaseDecreaseFromOtherChange"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7db1-8e4d-b4c97808bac4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityIncreaseDecreaseFromOtherChange_019e07fc-4262-7d04-877e-9cf8ee97f1d0" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountsLiability_019e07fc-4262-7284-b386-2eb029a91f6e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeparateAccountsLiability"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/SeparateAccountsReconciliationofSeparateAccountLiabilityDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#SeparateAccountsReconciliationofSeparateAccountLiabilityDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/SeparateAccountsReconciliationofSeparateAccountLiabilityDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityLineItems_019e07fc-4262-79dd-a9a1-dba76c0c2b2c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityTable_019e07fc-4262-74b3-a4e5-00ce8ad48fa8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityLineItems_019e07fc-4262-79dd-a9a1-dba76c0c2b2c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityTable_019e07fc-4262-74b3-a4e5-00ce8ad48fa8" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-76b6-903a-e49f88d1eb6a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityTable_019e07fc-4262-74b3-a4e5-00ce8ad48fa8" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-76b6-903a-e49f88d1eb6a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-76b6-903a-e49f88d1eb6a_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-76b6-903a-e49f88d1eb6a" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-76b6-903a-e49f88d1eb6a_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7869-9858-e72636e6930f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-76b6-903a-e49f88d1eb6a" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7869-9858-e72636e6930f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_RollforwardsTotalMember_019e07fc-4262-7b28-9cfc-75fcb2900170" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_RollforwardsTotalMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7869-9858-e72636e6930f" xlink:to="loc_bhf_RollforwardsTotalMember_019e07fc-4262-7b28-9cfc-75fcb2900170" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountsLiability_019e07fc-4262-78d3-b2cd-51c316d920a9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeparateAccountsLiability"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityLineItems_019e07fc-4262-79dd-a9a1-dba76c0c2b2c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountsLiability_019e07fc-4262-78d3-b2cd-51c316d920a9" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_VariableIncomeAnnuities_019e07fc-4262-7281-9000-7d8f242fe36d" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_VariableIncomeAnnuities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityLineItems_019e07fc-4262-79dd-a9a1-dba76c0c2b2c" xlink:to="loc_bhf_VariableIncomeAnnuities_019e07fc-4262-7281-9000-7d8f242fe36d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_PensionRiskTransferAnnuities_019e07fc-4262-7e3c-9c52-b7ceebee248b" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_PensionRiskTransferAnnuities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityLineItems_019e07fc-4262-79dd-a9a1-dba76c0c2b2c" xlink:to="loc_bhf_PensionRiskTransferAnnuities_019e07fc-4262-7e3c-9c52-b7ceebee248b" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/SeparateAccountsAggregateFVofAssetsSupportingSeparateAccountsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#SeparateAccountsAggregateFVofAssetsSupportingSeparateAccountsDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/SeparateAccountsAggregateFVofAssetsSupportingSeparateAccountsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityLineItems_019e7058-4e27-7510-b091-0938fbaa0fe9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityTable_019e07fc-4262-7a63-b0cd-c8cdc9db9528" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityLineItems_019e7058-4e27-7510-b091-0938fbaa0fe9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityTable_019e07fc-4262-7a63-b0cd-c8cdc9db9528" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssetCategoryAxis_019e07fc-4262-7e90-b615-e7c1b78f12d5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssetCategoryAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityTable_019e07fc-4262-7a63-b0cd-c8cdc9db9528" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssetCategoryAxis_019e07fc-4262-7e90-b615-e7c1b78f12d5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssetCategoryDomain_019e07fc-4262-7e90-b615-e7c1b78f12d5_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssetCategoryDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssetCategoryAxis_019e07fc-4262-7e90-b615-e7c1b78f12d5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssetCategoryDomain_019e07fc-4262-7e90-b615-e7c1b78f12d5_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssetCategoryDomain_019e07fc-4262-7c56-9184-5987f57ce745" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssetCategoryDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssetCategoryAxis_019e07fc-4262-7e90-b615-e7c1b78f12d5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssetCategoryDomain_019e07fc-4262-7c56-9184-5987f57ce745" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountEquitySecurityMember_019e07fc-4262-7733-b7df-a99a53baf485" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeparateAccountEquitySecurityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssetCategoryDomain_019e07fc-4262-7c56-9184-5987f57ce745" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountEquitySecurityMember_019e07fc-4262-7733-b7df-a99a53baf485" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountDebtSecurityMember_019e07fc-4262-7285-95ad-d079f5b794b8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeparateAccountDebtSecurityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssetCategoryDomain_019e07fc-4262-7c56-9184-5987f57ce745" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountDebtSecurityMember_019e07fc-4262-7285-95ad-d079f5b794b8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_019e07fc-4262-72ee-bb9a-03f417aca041" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeparateAccountCashAndCashEquivalentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssetCategoryDomain_019e07fc-4262-7c56-9184-5987f57ce745" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_019e07fc-4262-72ee-bb9a-03f417aca041" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_019faf63-8aa8-7dd4-ba78-222ea9cb5bfe" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityTable_019e07fc-4262-7a63-b0cd-c8cdc9db9528" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_019faf63-8aa8-7dd4-ba78-222ea9cb5bfe" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019faf63-8aa8-7dd4-ba78-222ea9cb5bfe_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_019faf63-8aa8-7dd4-ba78-222ea9cb5bfe" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019faf63-8aa8-7dd4-ba78-222ea9cb5bfe_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019faf63-8aa8-7d8e-80a1-eb3dbad22b4b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_019faf63-8aa8-7dd4-ba78-222ea9cb5bfe" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019faf63-8aa8-7d8e-80a1-eb3dbad22b4b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLongTermInvestmentsMember_019faf63-8aa8-72f4-b10f-69817317a937" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLongTermInvestmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019faf63-8aa8-7d8e-80a1-eb3dbad22b4b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLongTermInvestmentsMember_019faf63-8aa8-72f4-b10f-69817317a937" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssets_019e7058-4e27-73e1-a304-ae1263801898" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountLiabilityLineItems_019e7058-4e27-7510-b091-0938fbaa0fe9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssets_019e7058-4e27-73e1-a304-ae1263801898" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/SeparateAccountsNetAmountatRiskandCashSurrenderValuesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#SeparateAccountsNetAmountatRiskandCashSurrenderValuesDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/SeparateAccountsNetAmountatRiskandCashSurrenderValuesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7d60-a65d-e5e5b54f248e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeTable_019e07fc-4262-7b30-9527-26d669b65de2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7d60-a65d-e5e5b54f248e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeTable_019e07fc-4262-7b30-9527-26d669b65de2" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-7143-b27d-d650b809baa3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeTable_019e07fc-4262-7b30-9527-26d669b65de2" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-7143-b27d-d650b809baa3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7143-b27d-d650b809baa3_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-7143-b27d-d650b809baa3" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7143-b27d-d650b809baa3_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7386-913f-7eacd571005b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-7143-b27d-d650b809baa3" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7386-913f-7eacd571005b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UniversalLifeMember_019e07fc-4262-753d-9662-6ee694e1deeb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_UniversalLifeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7386-913f-7eacd571005b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UniversalLifeMember_019e07fc-4262-753d-9662-6ee694e1deeb" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableAnnuityMember_019e07fc-4262-7f8d-a873-63a0c3c28bcf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_VariableAnnuityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7386-913f-7eacd571005b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableAnnuityMember_019e07fc-4262-7f8d-a873-63a0c3c28bcf" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndexedAnnuityMember_019e07fc-4262-7286-ba77-2b1b6d25a253" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IndexedAnnuityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7386-913f-7eacd571005b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndexedAnnuityMember_019e07fc-4262-7286-ba77-2b1b6d25a253" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FixedAnnuityMember_019e07fc-4262-7dc8-86bc-62b9eca801de" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FixedAnnuityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7386-913f-7eacd571005b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FixedAnnuityMember_019e07fc-4262-7dc8-86bc-62b9eca801de" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_UniversalLifeInsuranceWithSecondaryGuaranteesMember_019e07fc-4262-7d96-aef5-1ab53a5ac32a" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_UniversalLifeInsuranceWithSecondaryGuaranteesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7386-913f-7eacd571005b" xlink:to="loc_bhf_UniversalLifeInsuranceWithSecondaryGuaranteesMember_019e07fc-4262-7d96-aef5-1ab53a5ac32a" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_CompanyOwnedLifeInsuranceMember_019e07fc-4262-7494-bba8-f6ea725eb4a8" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_CompanyOwnedLifeInsuranceMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7386-913f-7eacd571005b" xlink:to="loc_bhf_CompanyOwnedLifeInsuranceMember_019e07fc-4262-7494-bba8-f6ea725eb4a8" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderFunds_019e07fc-4262-78ec-bff9-51d68b0c644b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderFunds"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7d60-a65d-e5e5b54f248e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderFunds_019e07fc-4262-78ec-bff9-51d68b0c644b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountsLiability_019e07fc-4262-780d-acbb-fcf361df1c15" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeparateAccountsLiability"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7d60-a65d-e5e5b54f248e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountsLiability_019e07fc-4262-780d-acbb-fcf361df1c15" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_TotalAccountBalances_019e07fc-4262-7799-bbb5-8ca239bc267a" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_TotalAccountBalances"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7d60-a65d-e5e5b54f248e" xlink:to="loc_bhf_TotalAccountBalances_019e07fc-4262-7799-bbb5-8ca239bc267a" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_NetAmountAtRisk_019e07fc-4262-77d8-9ed4-10859db9e81e" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_NetAmountAtRisk"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7d60-a65d-e5e5b54f248e" xlink:to="loc_bhf_NetAmountAtRisk_019e07fc-4262-77d8-9ed4-10859db9e81e" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_CashSurrenderValue_019e07fc-4262-796f-8362-e4f1c017b1b1" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_CashSurrenderValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7d60-a65d-e5e5b54f248e" xlink:to="loc_bhf_CashSurrenderValue_019e07fc-4262-796f-8362-e4f1c017b1b1" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsValueofBusinessAcquiredandOtherIntangiblesInformationRegardingDACandVOBADetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsValueofBusinessAcquiredandOtherIntangiblesInformationRegardingDACandVOBADetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsValueofBusinessAcquiredandOtherIntangiblesInformationRegardingDACandVOBADetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostAndPresentValueOfFutureProfitLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7dea-b0db-a0ca474f5226" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostAndPresentValueOfFutureProfitLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_019e07fc-4262-7674-bfa8-bda72a07c38d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostAndPresentValueOfFutureProfitLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7dea-b0db-a0ca474f5226" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_019e07fc-4262-7674-bfa8-bda72a07c38d" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-7e64-9b81-eeb0d29adc86" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_019e07fc-4262-7674-bfa8-bda72a07c38d" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-7e64-9b81-eeb0d29adc86" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7e64-9b81-eeb0d29adc86_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-7e64-9b81-eeb0d29adc86" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7e64-9b81-eeb0d29adc86_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-795e-85cf-9315094d3707" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-7e64-9b81-eeb0d29adc86" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-795e-85cf-9315094d3707" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableAnnuityMember_019e07fc-4262-7e14-b835-cd48ad2fdc13" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_VariableAnnuityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-795e-85cf-9315094d3707" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableAnnuityMember_019e07fc-4262-7e14-b835-cd48ad2fdc13" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FixedAnnuityMember_019e07fc-4262-710d-8ac2-10932a5f0c34" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FixedAnnuityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-795e-85cf-9315094d3707" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FixedAnnuityMember_019e07fc-4262-710d-8ac2-10932a5f0c34" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndexedAnnuityMember_019e07fc-4262-7745-b780-c8b52b06437d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IndexedAnnuityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-795e-85cf-9315094d3707" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndexedAnnuityMember_019e07fc-4262-7745-b780-c8b52b06437d" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_TermWholeLifeInsuranceMember_019e07fc-4262-71d3-a64a-83c520b61b26" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_TermWholeLifeInsuranceMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-795e-85cf-9315094d3707" xlink:to="loc_bhf_TermWholeLifeInsuranceMember_019e07fc-4262-71d3-a64a-83c520b61b26" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UniversalLifeMember_019e07fc-4262-75b2-ad09-cfb511680d71" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_UniversalLifeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-795e-85cf-9315094d3707" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UniversalLifeMember_019e07fc-4262-75b2-ad09-cfb511680d71" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCosts_019e07fc-4262-7e8f-a9be-4562b91ad284" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCosts"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostAndPresentValueOfFutureProfitLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7dea-b0db-a0ca474f5226" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCosts_019e07fc-4262-7e8f-a9be-4562b91ad284" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAdditions_019e07fc-4262-796a-a98e-da3013961a36" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAdditions"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostAndPresentValueOfFutureProfitLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7dea-b0db-a0ca474f5226" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAdditions_019e07fc-4262-796a-a98e-da3013961a36" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostAmortizationExpense_019e07fc-4262-7ae4-8395-ce316f19a1fb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostAmortizationExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostAndPresentValueOfFutureProfitLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7dea-b0db-a0ca474f5226" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostAmortizationExpense_019e07fc-4262-7ae4-8395-ce316f19a1fb" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCosts_019e07fc-4262-7a78-8e56-d01957c3bf52" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCosts"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValueOfBusinessAcquiredVOBA_019e07fc-4262-705f-a2b1-49f6549a8bf5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ValueOfBusinessAcquiredVOBA"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostAndPresentValueOfFutureProfitLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7dea-b0db-a0ca474f5226" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValueOfBusinessAcquiredVOBA_019e07fc-4262-705f-a2b1-49f6549a8bf5" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PresentValueOfFutureInsuranceProfitsAmortizationExpense1_019e07fc-4262-7f12-8deb-cbda5cd8ecce" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PresentValueOfFutureInsuranceProfitsAmortizationExpense1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostAndPresentValueOfFutureProfitLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7dea-b0db-a0ca474f5226" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PresentValueOfFutureInsuranceProfitsAmortizationExpense1_019e07fc-4262-7f12-8deb-cbda5cd8ecce" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValueOfBusinessAcquiredVOBA_019e07fc-4262-7b8a-9533-e34f8b855fa4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ValueOfBusinessAcquiredVOBA"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndValueOfBusinessAcquired_019e07fc-4262-7788-b08f-5546aa342cc0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndValueOfBusinessAcquired"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostAndPresentValueOfFutureProfitLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7dea-b0db-a0ca474f5226" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndValueOfBusinessAcquired_019e07fc-4262-7788-b08f-5546aa342cc0" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsValueofBusinessAcquiredandOtherIntangiblesInformationRegardingDSIDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsValueofBusinessAcquiredandOtherIntangiblesInformationRegardingDSIDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsValueofBusinessAcquiredandOtherIntangiblesInformationRegardingDSIDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredSaleInducementCostLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7c62-9291-d939662ec535" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredSaleInducementCostLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredSaleInducementCostTable_019e07fc-4262-7dbf-b115-1f879881c05a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredSaleInducementCostTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredSaleInducementCostLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7c62-9291-d939662ec535" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredSaleInducementCostTable_019e07fc-4262-7dbf-b115-1f879881c05a" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-777f-814d-e787caed1f1c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredSaleInducementCostTable_019e07fc-4262-7dbf-b115-1f879881c05a" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-777f-814d-e787caed1f1c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-777f-814d-e787caed1f1c_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-777f-814d-e787caed1f1c" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-777f-814d-e787caed1f1c_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7ab5-bf79-ccd62343c31c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-777f-814d-e787caed1f1c" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7ab5-bf79-ccd62343c31c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableAnnuityMember_019e07fc-4262-78cf-adfe-62f06c1c6e82" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_VariableAnnuityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7ab5-bf79-ccd62343c31c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableAnnuityMember_019e07fc-4262-78cf-adfe-62f06c1c6e82" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FixedAnnuityMember_019e07fc-4262-7418-affa-6fc1891a36a9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FixedAnnuityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7ab5-bf79-ccd62343c31c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FixedAnnuityMember_019e07fc-4262-7418-affa-6fc1891a36a9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredSalesInducementsNet_019e07fc-4262-7108-9e89-f6a9f86a8d35" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredSalesInducementsNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredSaleInducementCostLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7c62-9291-d939662ec535" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredSalesInducementsNet_019e07fc-4262-7108-9e89-f6a9f86a8d35" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredSalesInducementsAmortizationExpense_019e07fc-4262-7f64-9a63-e212026ec798" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredSalesInducementsAmortizationExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredSaleInducementCostLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7c62-9291-d939662ec535" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredSalesInducementsAmortizationExpense_019e07fc-4262-7f64-9a63-e212026ec798" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredSalesInducementsNet_019e07fc-4262-7182-b86d-258dceb6e413" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredSalesInducementsNet"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsValueofBusinessAcquiredandOtherIntangiblesUnearnedRevenueDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsValueofBusinessAcquiredandOtherIntangiblesUnearnedRevenueDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsValueofBusinessAcquiredandOtherIntangiblesUnearnedRevenueDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementLineItems_019e07fc-4262-792c-82c0-cf886fa0cda2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementByTypeTable_019e07fc-4262-7801-8586-8e9b2af880c5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementByTypeTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementLineItems_019e07fc-4262-792c-82c0-cf886fa0cda2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementByTypeTable_019e07fc-4262-7801-8586-8e9b2af880c5" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-7fe7-ab1b-836fc32af079" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementByTypeTable_019e07fc-4262-7801-8586-8e9b2af880c5" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-7fe7-ab1b-836fc32af079" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7fe7-ab1b-836fc32af079_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-7fe7-ab1b-836fc32af079" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-7fe7-ab1b-836fc32af079_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-72a2-bc7c-28ac76c2379e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4262-7fe7-ab1b-836fc32af079" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-72a2-bc7c-28ac76c2379e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UniversalLifeMember_019e07fc-4262-7563-8f09-a64dc14c71a4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_UniversalLifeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-72a2-bc7c-28ac76c2379e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UniversalLifeMember_019e07fc-4262-7563-8f09-a64dc14c71a4" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_UniversalLifeInsuranceWithSecondaryGuaranteesMember_019e07fc-4262-7f45-bc2d-f93e787638d8" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_UniversalLifeInsuranceWithSecondaryGuaranteesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-72a2-bc7c-28ac76c2379e" xlink:to="loc_bhf_UniversalLifeInsuranceWithSecondaryGuaranteesMember_019e07fc-4262-7f45-bc2d-f93e787638d8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableAnnuityMember_019e07fc-4262-78a1-8eaf-c23902b46e74" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_VariableAnnuityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4262-72a2-bc7c-28ac76c2379e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableAnnuityMember_019e07fc-4262-78a1-8eaf-c23902b46e74" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnearnedPremiums_019e07fc-4262-7a6d-911b-aa9b1065c2bc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_UnearnedPremiums"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementLineItems_019e07fc-4262-792c-82c0-cf886fa0cda2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnearnedPremiums_019e07fc-4262-7a6d-911b-aa9b1065c2bc" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_DeferredRevenueCapitalization_019e07fc-4262-783d-95e3-bbac372646a9" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_DeferredRevenueCapitalization"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementLineItems_019e07fc-4262-792c-82c0-cf886fa0cda2" xlink:to="loc_bhf_DeferredRevenueCapitalization_019e07fc-4262-783d-95e3-bbac372646a9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_DeferredRevenueAmortizationExpense_019e07fc-4262-7ea5-bb4e-e43fba7ee54e" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_DeferredRevenueAmortizationExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementLineItems_019e07fc-4262-792c-82c0-cf886fa0cda2" xlink:to="loc_bhf_DeferredRevenueAmortizationExpense_019e07fc-4262-7ea5-bb4e-e43fba7ee54e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnearnedPremiums_019e07fc-4262-7e9a-a513-052c1f1cb1ab" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_UnearnedPremiums"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsFixedMaturitySecuritiesbySectorDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#InvestmentsFixedMaturitySecuritiesbySectorDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsFixedMaturitySecuritiesbySectorDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7170-8cc5-482a24ba5e48" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable_019e07fc-4262-7148-bb98-7ad3266bcb29" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7170-8cc5-482a24ba5e48" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable_019e07fc-4262-7148-bb98-7ad3266bcb29" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_019e07fc-4262-7fa3-b499-e1697ff8792e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable_019e07fc-4262-7148-bb98-7ad3266bcb29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_019e07fc-4262-7fa3-b499-e1697ff8792e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4262-7fa3-b499-e1697ff8792e_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_019e07fc-4262-7fa3-b499-e1697ff8792e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4262-7fa3-b499-e1697ff8792e_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4262-749b-bfa9-58ea01a01e63" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_019e07fc-4262-7fa3-b499-e1697ff8792e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4262-749b-bfa9-58ea01a01e63" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-4262-7b97-88c2-59a23d48a5dd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4262-749b-bfa9-58ea01a01e63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-4262-7b97-88c2-59a23d48a5dd" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-4262-7fe4-a06e-1b7af58de4c1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4262-749b-bfa9-58ea01a01e63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-4262-7fe4-a06e-1b7af58de4c1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-4262-7e63-880c-eb2aac1ea59e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4262-749b-bfa9-58ea01a01e63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-4262-7e63-880c-eb2aac1ea59e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember_019e07fc-4262-7454-acd1-2ffc2f9f0745" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4262-749b-bfa9-58ea01a01e63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember_019e07fc-4262-7454-acd1-2ffc2f9f0745" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-4262-75cb-8364-7bdf52fd1725" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4262-749b-bfa9-58ea01a01e63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-4262-75cb-8364-7bdf52fd1725" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-4262-73f7-a528-4862f68a5d9b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4262-749b-bfa9-58ea01a01e63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-4262-73f7-a528-4862f68a5d9b" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_019e07fc-4262-7408-8c51-a8ad9cf5cae6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4262-749b-bfa9-58ea01a01e63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_019e07fc-4262-7408-8c51-a8ad9cf5cae6" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-4262-71b1-9fb8-6af8b7b0617d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4262-749b-bfa9-58ea01a01e63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-4262-71b1-9fb8-6af8b7b0617d" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_019e07fc-4262-7eb0-9511-f8f974e66af0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7170-8cc5-482a24ba5e48" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_019e07fc-4262-7eb0-9511-f8f974e66af0" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLoss_019e07fc-4262-77cb-9ea6-fee91d2db2a9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7170-8cc5-482a24ba5e48" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLoss_019e07fc-4262-77cb-9ea6-fee91d2db2a9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax_019e07fc-4262-7ff0-858e-bf67a4b6d6dc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7170-8cc5-482a24ba5e48" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax_019e07fc-4262-7ff0-858e-bf67a4b6d6dc" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_019e07fc-4262-7c08-92d5-c5955e0dc06f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7170-8cc5-482a24ba5e48" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_019e07fc-4262-7c08-92d5-c5955e0dc06f" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_019e07fc-4262-70bb-9a0f-5da993c641fc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7170-8cc5-482a24ba5e48" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_019e07fc-4262-70bb-9a0f-5da993c641fc" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsContinuousGrossUnrealizedLossesforFixedMaturitySecuritiesbySectorDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#InvestmentsContinuousGrossUnrealizedLossesforFixedMaturitySecuritiesbySectorDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsContinuousGrossUnrealizedLossesforFixedMaturitySecuritiesbySectorDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7710-bf20-8bc05f630bb4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable_019e07fc-4262-76ef-827f-de6f866c0e01" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7710-bf20-8bc05f630bb4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable_019e07fc-4262-76ef-827f-de6f866c0e01" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_019e07fc-4262-7034-b2d8-42cc3b141fbf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable_019e07fc-4262-76ef-827f-de6f866c0e01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_019e07fc-4262-7034-b2d8-42cc3b141fbf" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4262-7034-b2d8-42cc3b141fbf_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_019e07fc-4262-7034-b2d8-42cc3b141fbf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4262-7034-b2d8-42cc3b141fbf_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4262-7888-96e5-e24b1153d130" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_019e07fc-4262-7034-b2d8-42cc3b141fbf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4262-7888-96e5-e24b1153d130" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-4262-7e85-994b-16498bd09701" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4262-7888-96e5-e24b1153d130" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-4262-7e85-994b-16498bd09701" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-4262-7a67-ba76-8ce213d92345" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4262-7888-96e5-e24b1153d130" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-4262-7a67-ba76-8ce213d92345" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-4262-7800-898b-e64952665c93" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4262-7888-96e5-e24b1153d130" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-4262-7800-898b-e64952665c93" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember_019e07fc-4262-7413-9b31-fc3a966ace53" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4262-7888-96e5-e24b1153d130" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember_019e07fc-4262-7413-9b31-fc3a966ace53" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-4262-7936-9f07-033e719a6b50" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4262-7888-96e5-e24b1153d130" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-4262-7936-9f07-033e719a6b50" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-4262-7495-8077-30ad869e027f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4262-7888-96e5-e24b1153d130" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-4262-7495-8077-30ad869e027f" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_019e07fc-4262-7123-b518-1cadca0f6a2a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4262-7888-96e5-e24b1153d130" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_019e07fc-4262-7123-b518-1cadca0f6a2a" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-4262-7d02-a9f9-c00f67545b97" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4262-7888-96e5-e24b1153d130" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-4262-7d02-a9f9-c00f67545b97" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12Months_019e07fc-4262-7e27-a5b8-aa8c9999d7fa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12Months"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7710-bf20-8bc05f630bb4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12Months_019e07fc-4262-7e27-a5b8-aa8c9999d7fa" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss_019e07fc-4262-795c-ad14-ce21a730bc8d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7710-bf20-8bc05f630bb4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss_019e07fc-4262-795c-ad14-ce21a730bc8d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsNumberOfPositions_019e07fc-4262-74e0-95dd-c8b0fb6be469" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsNumberOfPositions"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7710-bf20-8bc05f630bb4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsNumberOfPositions_019e07fc-4262-74e0-95dd-c8b0fb6be469" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLonger_019e07fc-4262-775f-9450-d56d050abecf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLonger"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7710-bf20-8bc05f630bb4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLonger_019e07fc-4262-775f-9450-d56d050abecf" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss_019e07fc-4262-76b4-9adc-604fb1bf3b7c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7710-bf20-8bc05f630bb4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss_019e07fc-4262-76b4-9adc-604fb1bf3b7c" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerNumberOfPositions_019e07fc-4262-733c-ae88-c46810ca750b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerNumberOfPositions"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7710-bf20-8bc05f630bb4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerNumberOfPositions_019e07fc-4262-733c-ae88-c46810ca750b" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsRollforwardoftheAllowanceforCreditLossesforFixedMaturitySecuritiesbySectorDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#InvestmentsRollforwardoftheAllowanceforCreditLossesforFixedMaturitySecuritiesbySectorDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsRollforwardoftheAllowanceforCreditLossesforFixedMaturitySecuritiesbySectorDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7aa2-96c4-d0680e988812" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable_019e07fc-4262-7cdc-8416-d601bbcb1d2a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7aa2-96c4-d0680e988812" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable_019e07fc-4262-7cdc-8416-d601bbcb1d2a" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_019e07fc-4262-7b1e-8dc5-0ebe69ad72f7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable_019e07fc-4262-7cdc-8416-d601bbcb1d2a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_019e07fc-4262-7b1e-8dc5-0ebe69ad72f7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4262-7b1e-8dc5-0ebe69ad72f7_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_019e07fc-4262-7b1e-8dc5-0ebe69ad72f7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4262-7b1e-8dc5-0ebe69ad72f7_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4262-7eca-b1e9-bb77c17292b7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_019e07fc-4262-7b1e-8dc5-0ebe69ad72f7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4262-7eca-b1e9-bb77c17292b7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-4262-77ca-b085-2270f1f69b1d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4262-7eca-b1e9-bb77c17292b7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-4262-77ca-b085-2270f1f69b1d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-4262-77b6-92c3-b2234fa800b6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4262-7eca-b1e9-bb77c17292b7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-4262-77b6-92c3-b2234fa800b6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-4262-7f33-9262-3af1ecc3a4b1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4262-7eca-b1e9-bb77c17292b7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-4262-7f33-9262-3af1ecc3a4b1" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-4262-7770-b64f-77362bcaae3f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4262-7eca-b1e9-bb77c17292b7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-4262-7770-b64f-77362bcaae3f" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-4262-7386-9287-11db0bd67477" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4262-7eca-b1e9-bb77c17292b7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-4262-7386-9287-11db0bd67477" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLoss_019e07fc-4262-7e26-bac4-479c5109f018" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7aa2-96c4-d0680e988812" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLoss_019e07fc-4262-7e26-bac4-479c5109f018" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossNotPreviouslyRecorded_019e07fc-4262-7c54-8128-35eb0509fd67" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossNotPreviouslyRecorded"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7aa2-96c4-d0680e988812" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossNotPreviouslyRecorded_019e07fc-4262-7c54-8128-35eb0509fd67" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossSecuritiesSold_019e07fc-4262-7125-9cec-43443a1bb74e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossSecuritiesSold"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7aa2-96c4-d0680e988812" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossSecuritiesSold_019e07fc-4262-7125-9cec-43443a1bb74e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossNotToSellBeforeRecoveryCreditLossPreviouslyRecordedExpenseReversal_019e07fc-4262-78eb-b24d-58f6d742ad34" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossNotToSellBeforeRecoveryCreditLossPreviouslyRecordedExpenseReversal"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7aa2-96c4-d0680e988812" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossNotToSellBeforeRecoveryCreditLossPreviouslyRecordedExpenseReversal_019e07fc-4262-78eb-b24d-58f6d742ad34" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoff_019e07fc-4262-7a57-8ba0-16431c4c2c46" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoff"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7aa2-96c4-d0680e988812" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoff_019e07fc-4262-7a57-8ba0-16431c4c2c46" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLoss_019e07fc-4262-7561-8bd0-2b0ddb40b68c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLoss"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsMortgageLoansbyPortfolioSegmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#InvestmentsMortgageLoansbyPortfolioSegmentDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsMortgageLoansbyPortfolioSegmentDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7b9a-8400-9300ea249c70" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_019e07fc-4262-764a-b0a7-6d37b35fcc1b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7b9a-8400-9300ea249c70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_019e07fc-4262-764a-b0a7-6d37b35fcc1b" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_019e07fc-4262-79d1-b12f-3ee466f637b3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_019e07fc-4262-764a-b0a7-6d37b35fcc1b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_019e07fc-4262-79d1-b12f-3ee466f637b3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_019e07fc-4262-79d1-b12f-3ee466f637b3_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_019e07fc-4262-79d1-b12f-3ee466f637b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_019e07fc-4262-79d1-b12f-3ee466f637b3_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_019e07fc-4262-7273-8c7d-f19e8cf9a6e5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_019e07fc-4262-79d1-b12f-3ee466f637b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_019e07fc-4262-7273-8c7d-f19e8cf9a6e5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateLoanMember_019e07fc-4262-7df8-a74e-d89dea3d4072" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_019e07fc-4262-7273-8c7d-f19e8cf9a6e5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateLoanMember_019e07fc-4262-7df8-a74e-d89dea3d4072" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_019e07fc-4262-7b40-9d75-58c76f82ae82" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_019e07fc-4262-764a-b0a7-6d37b35fcc1b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_019e07fc-4262-7b40-9d75-58c76f82ae82" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-4262-7b40-9d75-58c76f82ae82_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_019e07fc-4262-7b40-9d75-58c76f82ae82" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-4262-7b40-9d75-58c76f82ae82_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-4262-7cc8-aced-1203ec2f3f44" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_019e07fc-4262-7b40-9d75-58c76f82ae82" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-4262-7cc8-aced-1203ec2f3f44" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_019e07fc-4262-7c8c-9d54-cd45a9364dc9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-4262-7cc8-aced-1203ec2f3f44" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_019e07fc-4262-7c8c-9d54-cd45a9364dc9" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_AgriculturalPortfolioSegmentMember_019e07fc-4262-722e-abb9-862ade2a7c0c" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_AgriculturalPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-4262-7cc8-aced-1203ec2f3f44" xlink:to="loc_bhf_AgriculturalPortfolioSegmentMember_019e07fc-4262-722e-abb9-862ade2a7c0c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember_019e07fc-4262-70cd-9111-352a06038940" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-4262-7cc8-aced-1203ec2f3f44" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember_019e07fc-4262-70cd-9111-352a06038940" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross_019e07fc-4262-7d81-bfc0-591490e12962" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7b9a-8400-9300ea249c70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross_019e07fc-4262-7d81-bfc0-591490e12962" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses_019e07fc-4262-7943-aac1-4ee3c936a1f3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7b9a-8400-9300ea249c70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses_019e07fc-4262-7943-aac1-4ee3c936a1f3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableNet_019e07fc-4262-7e2b-afae-ff9cd532b7f0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NotesReceivableNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7b9a-8400-9300ea249c70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableNet_019e07fc-4262-7e2b-afae-ff9cd532b7f0" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_NotesReceivableGrossAsPercentageOfNotesReceivableNet_019e07fc-4262-73f9-91fa-2e56c2cd6c92" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_NotesReceivableGrossAsPercentageOfNotesReceivableNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7b9a-8400-9300ea249c70" xlink:to="loc_bhf_NotesReceivableGrossAsPercentageOfNotesReceivableNet_019e07fc-4262-73f9-91fa-2e56c2cd6c92" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesAsPercentageOfNotesReceivableNet_019e07fc-4262-76c1-97a1-0445a19fbf62" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesAsPercentageOfNotesReceivableNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7b9a-8400-9300ea249c70" xlink:to="loc_bhf_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesAsPercentageOfNotesReceivableNet_019e07fc-4262-76c1-97a1-0445a19fbf62" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_NotesReceivableNetAsPercentageOfNotesReceivableNet_019e07fc-4262-7ebc-8f5b-df0a1801a469" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_NotesReceivableNetAsPercentageOfNotesReceivableNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7b9a-8400-9300ea249c70" xlink:to="loc_bhf_NotesReceivableNetAsPercentageOfNotesReceivableNet_019e07fc-4262-7ebc-8f5b-df0a1801a469" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsRollforwardoftheAllowanceforCreditLossesforMortgageLoansbyPortfolioSegmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#InvestmentsRollforwardoftheAllowanceforCreditLossesforMortgageLoansbyPortfolioSegmentDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsRollforwardoftheAllowanceforCreditLossesforMortgageLoansbyPortfolioSegmentDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7a8d-b5b3-fbf8846bd9f6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable_019e07fc-4262-79bc-8a56-646c27375030" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7a8d-b5b3-fbf8846bd9f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable_019e07fc-4262-79bc-8a56-646c27375030" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_019e07fc-4262-76c6-b41b-ebceb734a40b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable_019e07fc-4262-79bc-8a56-646c27375030" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_019e07fc-4262-76c6-b41b-ebceb734a40b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_019e07fc-4262-76c6-b41b-ebceb734a40b_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_019e07fc-4262-76c6-b41b-ebceb734a40b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_019e07fc-4262-76c6-b41b-ebceb734a40b_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_019e07fc-4262-7270-8f81-597a6c7c0251" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_019e07fc-4262-76c6-b41b-ebceb734a40b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_019e07fc-4262-7270-8f81-597a6c7c0251" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateLoanMember_019e07fc-4262-7ad3-a86b-92188aab712c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_019e07fc-4262-7270-8f81-597a6c7c0251" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateLoanMember_019e07fc-4262-7ad3-a86b-92188aab712c" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_019e07fc-4262-7fe7-9b66-4ef7803ffcdd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable_019e07fc-4262-79bc-8a56-646c27375030" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_019e07fc-4262-7fe7-9b66-4ef7803ffcdd" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-4262-7fe7-9b66-4ef7803ffcdd_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_019e07fc-4262-7fe7-9b66-4ef7803ffcdd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-4262-7fe7-9b66-4ef7803ffcdd_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-4262-7e37-bfe8-3ecbd56c6639" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_019e07fc-4262-7fe7-9b66-4ef7803ffcdd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-4262-7e37-bfe8-3ecbd56c6639" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_019e07fc-4262-776a-b4ae-829a205f3619" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-4262-7e37-bfe8-3ecbd56c6639" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_019e07fc-4262-776a-b4ae-829a205f3619" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_AgriculturalPortfolioSegmentMember_019e07fc-4262-762c-b279-2afa232be05f" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_AgriculturalPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-4262-7e37-bfe8-3ecbd56c6639" xlink:to="loc_bhf_AgriculturalPortfolioSegmentMember_019e07fc-4262-762c-b279-2afa232be05f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember_019e07fc-4262-7093-bd79-5a7a17a14fab" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-4262-7e37-bfe8-3ecbd56c6639" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember_019e07fc-4262-7093-bd79-5a7a17a14fab" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward_019e07fc-4262-76f3-a499-72ee8ba60ad1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7a8d-b5b3-fbf8846bd9f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward_019e07fc-4262-76f3-a499-72ee8ba60ad1" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses_019e07fc-4262-7747-a22f-42ebe268a7f1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward_019e07fc-4262-76f3-a499-72ee8ba60ad1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses_019e07fc-4262-7747-a22f-42ebe268a7f1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesPeriodIncreaseDecrease_019e07fc-4262-7d34-b950-ae313c0c2088" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesPeriodIncreaseDecrease"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward_019e07fc-4262-76f3-a499-72ee8ba60ad1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesPeriodIncreaseDecrease_019e07fc-4262-7d34-b950-ae313c0c2088" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoffAfterRecovery_019e07fc-4262-7d0c-9353-41c3d42ed62b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoffAfterRecovery"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward_019e07fc-4262-76f3-a499-72ee8ba60ad1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossWriteoffAfterRecovery_019e07fc-4262-7d0c-9353-41c3d42ed62b" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses_019e07fc-4262-7c48-ac00-61859a3a20b3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsCreditQualityofMortgageLoansbyPortfolioSegmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#InvestmentsCreditQualityofMortgageLoansbyPortfolioSegmentDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsCreditQualityofMortgageLoansbyPortfolioSegmentDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7533-ac5a-a6eadfc344e5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable_019e07fc-4262-7106-80d9-f80365461dd9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7533-ac5a-a6eadfc344e5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable_019e07fc-4262-7106-80d9-f80365461dd9" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_019e07fc-4262-7029-808a-a63edfa9717d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable_019e07fc-4262-7106-80d9-f80365461dd9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_019e07fc-4262-7029-808a-a63edfa9717d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_019e07fc-4262-7029-808a-a63edfa9717d_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_019e07fc-4262-7029-808a-a63edfa9717d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_019e07fc-4262-7029-808a-a63edfa9717d_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_019e07fc-4262-7116-aa23-eceafa1435b2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_019e07fc-4262-7029-808a-a63edfa9717d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_019e07fc-4262-7116-aa23-eceafa1435b2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateLoanMember_019e07fc-4262-7d1b-9440-6eb00852f596" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_019e07fc-4262-7116-aa23-eceafa1435b2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateLoanMember_019e07fc-4262-7d1b-9440-6eb00852f596" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_019e07fc-4262-7134-9af9-60f6b3b761b1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable_019e07fc-4262-7106-80d9-f80365461dd9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_019e07fc-4262-7134-9af9-60f6b3b761b1" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-4262-7134-9af9-60f6b3b761b1_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_019e07fc-4262-7134-9af9-60f6b3b761b1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-4262-7134-9af9-60f6b3b761b1_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-4262-772c-bcbe-02e65ca10319" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_019e07fc-4262-7134-9af9-60f6b3b761b1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-4262-772c-bcbe-02e65ca10319" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_019e07fc-4262-768b-98c5-7dc6b2434897" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-4262-772c-bcbe-02e65ca10319" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_019e07fc-4262-768b-98c5-7dc6b2434897" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_AgriculturalPortfolioSegmentMember_019e07fc-4262-73cb-9abe-cb956ef3caf2" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_AgriculturalPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-4262-772c-bcbe-02e65ca10319" xlink:to="loc_bhf_AgriculturalPortfolioSegmentMember_019e07fc-4262-73cb-9abe-cb956ef3caf2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember_019e07fc-4262-7774-81e3-eb6c2ee7158e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-4262-772c-bcbe-02e65ca10319" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember_019e07fc-4262-7774-81e3-eb6c2ee7158e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoanToValueAxis_019e07fc-4262-7408-8def-5ca5aa9b337b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LoanToValueAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable_019e07fc-4262-7106-80d9-f80365461dd9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoanToValueAxis_019e07fc-4262-7408-8def-5ca5aa9b337b" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoanToValueDomain_019e07fc-4262-7408-8def-5ca5aa9b337b_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LoanToValueDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoanToValueAxis_019e07fc-4262-7408-8def-5ca5aa9b337b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoanToValueDomain_019e07fc-4262-7408-8def-5ca5aa9b337b_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoanToValueDomain_019e07fc-4262-7ddc-a9d3-ae60ba3509f4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LoanToValueDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoanToValueAxis_019e07fc-4262-7408-8def-5ca5aa9b337b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoanToValueDomain_019e07fc-4262-7ddc-a9d3-ae60ba3509f4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_LtvLessThan65PercentMember_019e07fc-4262-7d28-a11d-ed299b8e58c7" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_LtvLessThan65PercentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoanToValueDomain_019e07fc-4262-7ddc-a9d3-ae60ba3509f4" xlink:to="loc_bhf_LtvLessThan65PercentMember_019e07fc-4262-7d28-a11d-ed299b8e58c7" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_Ltv65To75PercentMember_019e07fc-4262-7b2a-833f-03a8048dace4" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_Ltv65To75PercentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoanToValueDomain_019e07fc-4262-7ddc-a9d3-ae60ba3509f4" xlink:to="loc_bhf_Ltv65To75PercentMember_019e07fc-4262-7b2a-833f-03a8048dace4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_Ltv76To80PercentMember_019e07fc-4262-7970-9426-0c001d0ba097" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_Ltv76To80PercentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoanToValueDomain_019e07fc-4262-7ddc-a9d3-ae60ba3509f4" xlink:to="loc_bhf_Ltv76To80PercentMember_019e07fc-4262-7970-9426-0c001d0ba097" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_LtvGreaterThan80PercentMember_019e07fc-4262-7b3d-9901-497dfe2dfb95" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_LtvGreaterThan80PercentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoanToValueDomain_019e07fc-4262-7ddc-a9d3-ae60ba3509f4" xlink:to="loc_bhf_LtvGreaterThan80PercentMember_019e07fc-4262-7b3d-9901-497dfe2dfb95" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusAxis_019e07fc-4262-70b5-8359-282a39f11c6f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable_019e07fc-4262-7106-80d9-f80365461dd9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusAxis_019e07fc-4262-70b5-8359-282a39f11c6f" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusDomain_019e07fc-4262-70b5-8359-282a39f11c6f_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusAxis_019e07fc-4262-70b5-8359-282a39f11c6f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusDomain_019e07fc-4262-70b5-8359-282a39f11c6f_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusDomain_019e07fc-4262-71be-bf44-29c64bdb33ef" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusAxis_019e07fc-4262-70b5-8359-282a39f11c6f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusDomain_019e07fc-4262-71be-bf44-29c64bdb33ef" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PerformingFinancingReceivableMember_019e07fc-4262-7e7f-84e0-ef17e0fd3b86" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PerformingFinancingReceivableMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusDomain_019e07fc-4262-71be-bf44-29c64bdb33ef" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PerformingFinancingReceivableMember_019e07fc-4262-7e7f-84e0-ef17e0fd3b86" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonperformingFinancingReceivableMember_019e07fc-4262-7c86-9921-81e83dd4f835" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NonperformingFinancingReceivableMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusDomain_019e07fc-4262-71be-bf44-29c64bdb33ef" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonperformingFinancingReceivableMember_019e07fc-4262-7c86-9921-81e83dd4f835" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageAxis_019e07fc-4262-7316-b411-afe8416c62aa" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_DebtServiceCoverageAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable_019e07fc-4262-7106-80d9-f80365461dd9" xlink:to="loc_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageAxis_019e07fc-4262-7316-b411-afe8416c62aa" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageDomain_019e07fc-4262-7316-b411-afe8416c62aa_default" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_DebtServiceCoverageDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageAxis_019e07fc-4262-7316-b411-afe8416c62aa" xlink:to="loc_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageDomain_019e07fc-4262-7316-b411-afe8416c62aa_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageDomain_019e07fc-4262-7d32-992c-2f04dcf4bf3e" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_DebtServiceCoverageDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageAxis_019e07fc-4262-7316-b411-afe8416c62aa" xlink:to="loc_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageDomain_019e07fc-4262-7d32-992c-2f04dcf4bf3e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_DscGreaterThan120PercentMember_019e07fc-4262-7f2d-9933-b23676290a10" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_DscGreaterThan120PercentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageDomain_019e07fc-4262-7d32-992c-2f04dcf4bf3e" xlink:to="loc_bhf_DscGreaterThan120PercentMember_019e07fc-4262-7f2d-9933-b23676290a10" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_Dsc100To120PercentMember_019e07fc-4262-70c9-97d8-405bdb058085" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_Dsc100To120PercentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageDomain_019e07fc-4262-7d32-992c-2f04dcf4bf3e" xlink:to="loc_bhf_Dsc100To120PercentMember_019e07fc-4262-70c9-97d8-405bdb058085" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_DscLessThan100PercentMember_019e07fc-4262-78e7-93b6-dc91351e4722" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_DscLessThan100PercentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhf_DebtServiceCoverageDomain_019e07fc-4262-7d32-992c-2f04dcf4bf3e" xlink:to="loc_bhf_DscLessThan100PercentMember_019e07fc-4262-78e7-93b6-dc91351e4722" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedInCurrentFiscalYear_019e07fc-4262-7190-b451-9a5e9501b170" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedInCurrentFiscalYear"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7533-ac5a-a6eadfc344e5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedInCurrentFiscalYear_019e07fc-4262-7190-b451-9a5e9501b170" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedInFiscalYearBeforeLatestFiscalYear_019e07fc-4262-7dbe-86ba-6a8767d3bc2a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedInFiscalYearBeforeLatestFiscalYear"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7533-ac5a-a6eadfc344e5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedInFiscalYearBeforeLatestFiscalYear_019e07fc-4262-7dbe-86ba-6a8767d3bc2a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear_019e07fc-4262-7650-945d-dd7fdc7b9d88" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7533-ac5a-a6eadfc344e5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear_019e07fc-4262-7650-945d-dd7fdc7b9d88" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedThreeYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear_019e07fc-4262-7738-b273-29b67db1951f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedThreeYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7533-ac5a-a6eadfc344e5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedThreeYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear_019e07fc-4262-7738-b273-29b67db1951f" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedFourYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear_019e07fc-4262-7de2-88ab-b3d3959eb4fe" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedFourYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7533-ac5a-a6eadfc344e5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedFourYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear_019e07fc-4262-7de2-88ab-b3d3959eb4fe" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedFiveOrMoreYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear_019e07fc-4262-728c-8f13-aab4a16fcde4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedFiveOrMoreYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7533-ac5a-a6eadfc344e5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedFiveOrMoreYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear_019e07fc-4262-728c-8f13-aab4a16fcde4" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross_019e07fc-434f-7680-ab92-66cb90fd1b08" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7533-ac5a-a6eadfc344e5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross_019e07fc-434f-7680-ab92-66cb90fd1b08" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_NotesReceivableGrossByDebtServiceCoverageRatioAsPercentageOfNotesReceivableGross_019e07fc-434f-78b9-85d7-f47e406e3b0d" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_NotesReceivableGrossByDebtServiceCoverageRatioAsPercentageOfNotesReceivableGross"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems_019e07fc-4262-7533-ac5a-a6eadfc344e5" xlink:to="loc_bhf_NotesReceivableGrossByDebtServiceCoverageRatioAsPercentageOfNotesReceivableGross_019e07fc-434f-78b9-85d7-f47e406e3b0d" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsPastDueMortgageLoansbyPortfolioSegmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#InvestmentsPastDueMortgageLoansbyPortfolioSegmentDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsPastDueMortgageLoansbyPortfolioSegmentDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_019e07fc-434f-76f3-84dc-55689e460867" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable_019e07fc-434f-7e31-b6fe-bbea712ad91f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_019e07fc-434f-76f3-84dc-55689e460867" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable_019e07fc-434f-7e31-b6fe-bbea712ad91f" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_019e07fc-434f-7c82-92a2-e794892fe721" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable_019e07fc-434f-7e31-b6fe-bbea712ad91f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_019e07fc-434f-7c82-92a2-e794892fe721" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_019e07fc-434f-7c82-92a2-e794892fe721_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_019e07fc-434f-7c82-92a2-e794892fe721" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_019e07fc-434f-7c82-92a2-e794892fe721_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_019e07fc-434f-7a34-a96b-0bd3cce32c82" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_019e07fc-434f-7c82-92a2-e794892fe721" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_019e07fc-434f-7a34-a96b-0bd3cce32c82" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateLoanMember_019e07fc-434f-74d2-b106-072426c7db63" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_019e07fc-434f-7a34-a96b-0bd3cce32c82" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateLoanMember_019e07fc-434f-74d2-b106-072426c7db63" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_019e07fc-434f-7847-8db9-dff3ee86c2eb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable_019e07fc-434f-7e31-b6fe-bbea712ad91f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_019e07fc-434f-7847-8db9-dff3ee86c2eb" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-434f-7847-8db9-dff3ee86c2eb_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_019e07fc-434f-7847-8db9-dff3ee86c2eb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-434f-7847-8db9-dff3ee86c2eb_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-434f-7db6-bd8d-ae0101a6ef0e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_019e07fc-434f-7847-8db9-dff3ee86c2eb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-434f-7db6-bd8d-ae0101a6ef0e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_019e07fc-434f-7c63-a277-e3c178bc3cda" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-434f-7db6-bd8d-ae0101a6ef0e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_019e07fc-434f-7c63-a277-e3c178bc3cda" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_AgriculturalPortfolioSegmentMember_019e07fc-434f-7241-9ee4-d2142b95853a" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_AgriculturalPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-434f-7db6-bd8d-ae0101a6ef0e" xlink:to="loc_bhf_AgriculturalPortfolioSegmentMember_019e07fc-434f-7241-9ee4-d2142b95853a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember_019e07fc-434f-7fe9-91ba-ff6b0e50fbf0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-434f-7db6-bd8d-ae0101a6ef0e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember_019e07fc-434f-7fe9-91ba-ff6b0e50fbf0" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis_019e07fc-434f-7906-a78f-7b36c55282e4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable_019e07fc-434f-7e31-b6fe-bbea712ad91f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis_019e07fc-434f-7906-a78f-7b36c55282e4" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_019e07fc-434f-7906-a78f-7b36c55282e4_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis_019e07fc-434f-7906-a78f-7b36c55282e4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_019e07fc-434f-7906-a78f-7b36c55282e4_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_019e07fc-434f-7ed7-9080-4b087f14ae9d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis_019e07fc-434f-7906-a78f-7b36c55282e4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_019e07fc-434f-7ed7-9080-4b087f14ae9d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialAssetNotPastDueMember_019e07fc-434f-7939-9ee1-5b8a74b1e71c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialAssetNotPastDueMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_019e07fc-434f-7ed7-9080-4b087f14ae9d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialAssetNotPastDueMember_019e07fc-434f-7939-9ee1-5b8a74b1e71c" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables30To59DaysPastDueMember_019e07fc-434f-7ee8-bd07-4792b7ac3c09" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivables30To59DaysPastDueMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_019e07fc-434f-7ed7-9080-4b087f14ae9d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables30To59DaysPastDueMember_019e07fc-434f-7ee8-bd07-4792b7ac3c09" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables60To89DaysPastDueMember_019e07fc-434f-7bd1-9155-c5a89d91518b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivables60To89DaysPastDueMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_019e07fc-434f-7ed7-9080-4b087f14ae9d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables60To89DaysPastDueMember_019e07fc-434f-7bd1-9155-c5a89d91518b" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_FinancingReceivables90To179DaysPastDueMember_019e07fc-434f-755f-b621-e9a78402aef6" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_FinancingReceivables90To179DaysPastDueMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_019e07fc-434f-7ed7-9080-4b087f14ae9d" xlink:to="loc_bhf_FinancingReceivables90To179DaysPastDueMember_019e07fc-434f-755f-b621-e9a78402aef6" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_FinancingReceivablesEqualToGreaterThan180DaysPastDueMember_019e07fc-434f-7ecb-96f3-cd8a81f3cbb4" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_FinancingReceivablesEqualToGreaterThan180DaysPastDueMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_019e07fc-434f-7ed7-9080-4b087f14ae9d" xlink:to="loc_bhf_FinancingReceivablesEqualToGreaterThan180DaysPastDueMember_019e07fc-434f-7ecb-96f3-cd8a81f3cbb4" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross_019e07fc-434f-75cb-a0dd-a408f77ff612" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_019e07fc-434f-76f3-84dc-55689e460867" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross_019e07fc-434f-75cb-a0dd-a408f77ff612" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsMortgageLoansinNonaccrualStatusbyPortfolioSegmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#InvestmentsMortgageLoansinNonaccrualStatusbyPortfolioSegmentDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsMortgageLoansinNonaccrualStatusbyPortfolioSegmentDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualStatusLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7fb4-996e-b9eb257dde93" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualStatusLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualTable_019e07fc-434f-701f-8bcf-315b0a6dcbd7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualStatusLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7fb4-996e-b9eb257dde93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualTable_019e07fc-434f-701f-8bcf-315b0a6dcbd7" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_019e07fc-434f-71f1-9d02-68c8a542e157" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualTable_019e07fc-434f-701f-8bcf-315b0a6dcbd7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_019e07fc-434f-71f1-9d02-68c8a542e157" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_019e07fc-434f-71f1-9d02-68c8a542e157_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_019e07fc-434f-71f1-9d02-68c8a542e157" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_019e07fc-434f-71f1-9d02-68c8a542e157_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_019e07fc-434f-7271-90b2-6ce55afd7850" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_019e07fc-434f-71f1-9d02-68c8a542e157" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_019e07fc-434f-7271-90b2-6ce55afd7850" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateLoanMember_019e07fc-434f-7b61-9250-a09040862408" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_019e07fc-434f-7271-90b2-6ce55afd7850" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateLoanMember_019e07fc-434f-7b61-9250-a09040862408" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_019e07fc-434f-750f-88d5-0d7ddf554e5d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualTable_019e07fc-434f-701f-8bcf-315b0a6dcbd7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_019e07fc-434f-750f-88d5-0d7ddf554e5d" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-434f-750f-88d5-0d7ddf554e5d_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_019e07fc-434f-750f-88d5-0d7ddf554e5d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-434f-750f-88d5-0d7ddf554e5d_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-434f-786b-82c4-35448045911e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_019e07fc-434f-750f-88d5-0d7ddf554e5d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-434f-786b-82c4-35448045911e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_019e07fc-434f-7d12-bee2-c98ef4f91b22" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-434f-786b-82c4-35448045911e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_019e07fc-434f-7d12-bee2-c98ef4f91b22" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_AgriculturalPortfolioSegmentMember_019e07fc-434f-766c-b301-19ea5588fed6" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_AgriculturalPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-434f-786b-82c4-35448045911e" xlink:to="loc_bhf_AgriculturalPortfolioSegmentMember_019e07fc-434f-766c-b301-19ea5588fed6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember_019e07fc-434f-7a7a-9b43-3b870f51457d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-434f-786b-82c4-35448045911e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember_019e07fc-434f-7a7a-9b43-3b870f51457d" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus_019e07fc-434f-7b41-a023-50e6a962040f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualStatusLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7fb4-996e-b9eb257dde93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus_019e07fc-434f-7b41-a023-50e6a962040f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsSecuritiesLendingDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#InvestmentsSecuritiesLendingDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsSecuritiesLendingDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7048-a7f2-0f3a2aa99623" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTable_019e07fc-434f-756f-9e97-ca5449425c8e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7048-a7f2-0f3a2aa99623" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTable_019e07fc-434f-756f-9e97-ca5449425c8e" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_019e6fae-152a-781c-aee6-6db3e63f8dc8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTable_019e07fc-434f-756f-9e97-ca5449425c8e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_019e6fae-152a-781c-aee6-6db3e63f8dc8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_019e6fae-152a-781c-aee6-6db3e63f8dc8_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_019e6fae-152a-781c-aee6-6db3e63f8dc8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_019e6fae-152a-781c-aee6-6db3e63f8dc8_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_019e7044-20df-7ad3-9a7a-1a21d684e718" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_019e6fae-152a-781c-aee6-6db3e63f8dc8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_019e7044-20df-7ad3-9a7a-1a21d684e718" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_019e7060-bed2-72e2-8a2a-9677e3b348f8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_019e7044-20df-7ad3-9a7a-1a21d684e718" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_019e7060-bed2-72e2-8a2a-9677e3b348f8" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_019e6fb0-027b-7fd2-9420-3c8de5f917bb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_019e7060-bed2-72e2-8a2a-9677e3b348f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_019e6fb0-027b-7fd2-9420-3c8de5f917bb" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_019e6faf-7bd6-7f66-a322-45de607c5051" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_019e7060-bed2-72e2-8a2a-9677e3b348f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_019e6faf-7bd6-7f66-a322-45de607c5051" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesLoaned_019e07fc-434f-7933-b944-97d4c8e0d534" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesLoaned"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7048-a7f2-0f3a2aa99623" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesLoaned_019e07fc-434f-7933-b944-97d4c8e0d534" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAccountedForAsSecuredBorrowingsAssociatedLiabilitiesCarryingAmount_019e07fc-434f-70c7-988c-a867aa350514" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAccountedForAsSecuredBorrowingsAssociatedLiabilitiesCarryingAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7048-a7f2-0f3a2aa99623" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAccountedForAsSecuredBorrowingsAssociatedLiabilitiesCarryingAmount_019e07fc-434f-70c7-988c-a867aa350514" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_SecuritiesLendingReinvestmentPortfolioEstimatedFairValue_019e07fc-434f-7823-9d5f-87ba36ee0317" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_SecuritiesLendingReinvestmentPortfolioEstimatedFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7048-a7f2-0f3a2aa99623" xlink:to="loc_bhf_SecuritiesLendingReinvestmentPortfolioEstimatedFairValue_019e07fc-434f-7823-9d5f-87ba36ee0317" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsSecuritiesLendingRemainingTenorDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#InvestmentsSecuritiesLendingRemainingTenorDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsSecuritiesLendingRemainingTenorDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionLineItems_019e07fc-434f-76ae-bb23-95520f6fe291" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTable_019e07fc-434f-7bc0-a079-5ab145738b87" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionLineItems_019e07fc-434f-76ae-bb23-95520f6fe291" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTable_019e07fc-434f-7bc0-a079-5ab145738b87" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_019e07fc-434f-7772-a88d-0344c0d832cd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTable_019e07fc-434f-7bc0-a079-5ab145738b87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_019e07fc-434f-7772-a88d-0344c0d832cd" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-434f-7772-a88d-0344c0d832cd_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_019e07fc-434f-7772-a88d-0344c0d832cd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-434f-7772-a88d-0344c0d832cd_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-434f-79e5-b671-dc152fa12884" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_019e07fc-434f-7772-a88d-0344c0d832cd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-434f-79e5-b671-dc152fa12884" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember_019e07fc-434f-7db8-8854-6271dc6e1071" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-434f-79e5-b671-dc152fa12884" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember_019e07fc-434f-7db8-8854-6271dc6e1071" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-784b-b0d5-e9d3882b31af" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-434f-79e5-b671-dc152fa12884" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-784b-b0d5-e9d3882b31af" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-73b5-a9e2-354d7a7859cc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-434f-79e5-b671-dc152fa12884" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-73b5-a9e2-354d7a7859cc" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-7635-9acc-e178b0b88a79" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-434f-79e5-b671-dc152fa12884" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-7635-9acc-e178b0b88a79" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodsAxis_019e07fc-434f-7953-bcd4-0a2efe7bbab7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTable_019e07fc-434f-7bc0-a079-5ab145738b87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodsAxis_019e07fc-434f-7953-bcd4-0a2efe7bbab7" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain_019e07fc-434f-7953-bcd4-0a2efe7bbab7_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodsAxis_019e07fc-434f-7953-bcd4-0a2efe7bbab7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain_019e07fc-434f-7953-bcd4-0a2efe7bbab7_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain_019e701a-1726-7e66-8d47-f43866d0f165" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodsAxis_019e07fc-434f-7953-bcd4-0a2efe7bbab7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain_019e701a-1726-7e66-8d47-f43866d0f165" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaturityOvernightMember_019e07fc-434f-7321-9ba7-f2ff21c28388" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MaturityOvernightMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain_019e701a-1726-7e66-8d47-f43866d0f165" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaturityOvernightMember_019e07fc-434f-7321-9ba7-f2ff21c28388" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaturityUpTo30DaysMember_019e07fc-434f-7890-8440-e42ee4dbb0a3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MaturityUpTo30DaysMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain_019e701a-1726-7e66-8d47-f43866d0f165" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaturityUpTo30DaysMember_019e07fc-434f-7890-8440-e42ee4dbb0a3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_Maturity30to180DaysMember_019e07fc-434f-750a-a440-13d6ed1336ae" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_Maturity30to180DaysMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain_019e701a-1726-7e66-8d47-f43866d0f165" xlink:to="loc_bhf_Maturity30to180DaysMember_019e07fc-434f-750a-a440-13d6ed1336ae" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAccountedForAsSecuredBorrowingsAssociatedLiabilitiesCarryingAmount_019e07fc-434f-78aa-8f30-ec87bfd0d704" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAccountedForAsSecuredBorrowingsAssociatedLiabilitiesCarryingAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionLineItems_019e07fc-434f-76ae-bb23-95520f6fe291" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAccountedForAsSecuredBorrowingsAssociatedLiabilitiesCarryingAmount_019e07fc-434f-78aa-8f30-ec87bfd0d704" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsVariableInterestEntitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#InvestmentsVariableInterestEntitiesDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsVariableInterestEntitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7165-b881-a721226c31c0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_019e07fc-434f-7347-b97c-2366c6c809fd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7165-b881-a721226c31c0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_019e07fc-434f-7347-b97c-2366c6c809fd" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_019e07fc-434f-7efa-8893-418dcea64e81" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_019e07fc-434f-7347-b97c-2366c6c809fd" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_019e07fc-434f-7efa-8893-418dcea64e81" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_019e07fc-434f-7efa-8893-418dcea64e81_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_019e07fc-434f-7efa-8893-418dcea64e81" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_019e07fc-434f-7efa-8893-418dcea64e81_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_019e07fc-434f-79d9-b5ab-7a3a10a38d81" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_019e07fc-434f-7efa-8893-418dcea64e81" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_019e07fc-434f-79d9-b5ab-7a3a10a38d81" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_019e07fc-434f-7bd6-82a1-e3cb2439a937" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_019e07fc-434f-79d9-b5ab-7a3a10a38d81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_019e07fc-434f-7bd6-82a1-e3cb2439a937" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_019e07fc-434f-78de-9526-e25bbdb1587c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_019e07fc-434f-7347-b97c-2366c6c809fd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_019e07fc-434f-78de-9526-e25bbdb1587c" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-434f-78de-9526-e25bbdb1587c_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_019e07fc-434f-78de-9526-e25bbdb1587c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-434f-78de-9526-e25bbdb1587c_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-434f-7727-a121-3c139845449d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_019e07fc-434f-78de-9526-e25bbdb1587c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-434f-7727-a121-3c139845449d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-7cee-88d0-aab9481158df" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-434f-7727-a121-3c139845449d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-7cee-88d0-aab9481158df" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentMember_019e07fc-434f-7fb4-ad65-632787bc58cd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-434f-7727-a121-3c139845449d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentMember_019e07fc-434f-7fb4-ad65-632787bc58cd" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_019e07fc-434f-7dfb-a0c7-126ee04f42a0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_Assets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7165-b881-a721226c31c0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_019e07fc-434f-7dfb-a0c7-126ee04f42a0" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityEntityMaximumLossExposureAmount_019e07fc-434f-7386-91e9-1c42cdd22296" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityEntityMaximumLossExposureAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7165-b881-a721226c31c0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityEntityMaximumLossExposureAmount_019e07fc-434f-7386-91e9-1c42cdd22296" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsNetInvestmentIncomeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#InvestmentsNetInvestmentIncomeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsNetInvestmentIncomeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems_019e07fc-434f-747c-bf3b-d554c53992f8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryTable_019e07fc-434f-7f28-9aa8-9796db3f76f2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems_019e07fc-434f-747c-bf3b-d554c53992f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryTable_019e07fc-434f-7f28-9aa8-9796db3f76f2" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_019e07fc-434f-70e9-a5a7-51dc19a98df9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryTable_019e07fc-434f-7f28-9aa8-9796db3f76f2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_019e07fc-434f-70e9-a5a7-51dc19a98df9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019e07fc-434f-70e9-a5a7-51dc19a98df9_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_019e07fc-434f-70e9-a5a7-51dc19a98df9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019e07fc-434f-70e9-a5a7-51dc19a98df9_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019e07fc-434f-750e-8585-ae3eb4b0f3be" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_019e07fc-434f-70e9-a5a7-51dc19a98df9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019e07fc-434f-750e-8585-ae3eb4b0f3be" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-70ee-8e68-07de26785196" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019e07fc-434f-750e-8585-ae3eb4b0f3be" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-70ee-8e68-07de26785196" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_TradingSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-7bf8-864d-6788d7b3f426" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_TradingSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019e07fc-434f-750e-8585-ae3eb4b0f3be" xlink:to="loc_bhf_TradingSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-7bf8-864d-6788d7b3f426" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-7a1b-b6e9-02136d7c89e2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019e07fc-434f-750e-8585-ae3eb4b0f3be" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-7a1b-b6e9-02136d7c89e2" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgagesMember_019e07fc-434f-7de5-88f7-decfb5de4e11" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MortgagesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019e07fc-434f-750e-8585-ae3eb4b0f3be" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgagesMember_019e07fc-434f-7de5-88f7-decfb5de4e11" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyLoansMember_019e07fc-434f-7513-8af2-6f89d402d65d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyLoansMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019e07fc-434f-750e-8585-ae3eb4b0f3be" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyLoansMember_019e07fc-434f-7513-8af2-6f89d402d65d" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentMember_019e07fc-434f-7e3c-8e1c-b83447b2e249" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019e07fc-434f-750e-8585-ae3eb4b0f3be" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentMember_019e07fc-434f-7e3c-8e1c-b83447b2e249" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember_019e07fc-434f-7bdc-8ff2-b840ac9ab557" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019e07fc-434f-750e-8585-ae3eb4b0f3be" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember_019e07fc-434f-7bdc-8ff2-b840ac9ab557" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLongTermInvestmentsMember_019e8e5e-2d97-77d3-b9e9-92e8a0b76e9e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLongTermInvestmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019e07fc-434f-750e-8585-ae3eb4b0f3be" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLongTermInvestmentsMember_019e8e5e-2d97-77d3-b9e9-92e8a0b76e9e" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GrossInvestmentIncomeOperating_019e07fc-434f-7be1-96dc-b385633b5707" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_GrossInvestmentIncomeOperating"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems_019e07fc-434f-747c-bf3b-d554c53992f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GrossInvestmentIncomeOperating_019e07fc-434f-7be1-96dc-b385633b5707" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInvestmentExpense_019e07fc-434f-729a-b0f0-1839e497e8b8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInvestmentExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems_019e07fc-434f-747c-bf3b-d554c53992f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInvestmentExpense_019e07fc-434f-729a-b0f0-1839e497e8b8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome_019e07fc-434f-72bb-b1a0-dc6ed0718e06" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems_019e07fc-434f-747c-bf3b-d554c53992f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome_019e07fc-434f-72bb-b1a0-dc6ed0718e06" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsComponentsofNetInvestmentGainsLossesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#InvestmentsComponentsofNetInvestmentGainsLossesDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsComponentsofNetInvestmentGainsLossesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7fa1-8f80-48afa3520b72" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryTable_019e07fc-434f-761d-9823-6098e7a330c0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7fa1-8f80-48afa3520b72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryTable_019e07fc-434f-761d-9823-6098e7a330c0" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_019e07fc-434f-7bd7-9c99-865bf3bd4c87" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryTable_019e07fc-434f-761d-9823-6098e7a330c0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_019e07fc-434f-7bd7-9c99-865bf3bd4c87" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019e07fc-434f-7bd7-9c99-865bf3bd4c87_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_019e07fc-434f-7bd7-9c99-865bf3bd4c87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019e07fc-434f-7bd7-9c99-865bf3bd4c87_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019e07fc-434f-7e99-bb2d-6ffd5e33d9eb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_019e07fc-434f-7bd7-9c99-865bf3bd4c87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019e07fc-434f-7e99-bb2d-6ffd5e33d9eb" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-7db9-b5e3-66eca229eb12" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019e07fc-434f-7e99-bb2d-6ffd5e33d9eb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-7db9-b5e3-66eca229eb12" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-7182-9d1f-6fdb837ac589" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019e07fc-434f-7e99-bb2d-6ffd5e33d9eb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-7182-9d1f-6fdb837ac589" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgagesMember_019e07fc-434f-7110-bcd1-934c42eeb7f3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MortgagesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019e07fc-434f-7e99-bb2d-6ffd5e33d9eb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgagesMember_019e07fc-434f-7110-bcd1-934c42eeb7f3" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentMember_019e07fc-434f-70a9-a850-9744c4ec70fc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019e07fc-434f-7e99-bb2d-6ffd5e33d9eb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentMember_019e07fc-434f-70a9-a850-9744c4ec70fc" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLongTermInvestmentsMember_019e8e62-3575-77ab-99a4-9968d5dbfbe9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLongTermInvestmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019e07fc-434f-7e99-bb2d-6ffd5e33d9eb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLongTermInvestmentsMember_019e8e62-3575-77ab-99a4-9968d5dbfbe9" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses_019e07fc-434f-7f14-bbb2-58a0ab5cc886" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7fa1-8f80-48afa3520b72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses_019e07fc-434f-7f14-bbb2-58a0ab5cc886" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsFixedMaturitySecuritiesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#InvestmentsFixedMaturitySecuritiesNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsFixedMaturitySecuritiesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7041-9047-0a2e75ced0ee" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable_019e07fc-434f-7ed9-b33e-6b08e8287066" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7041-9047-0a2e75ced0ee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable_019e07fc-434f-7ed9-b33e-6b08e8287066" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_FinancialInstrumentIncomeProducingStatusAxis_019e07fc-434f-7deb-ae8e-0e71c96bdba0" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_FinancialInstrumentIncomeProducingStatusAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable_019e07fc-434f-7ed9-b33e-6b08e8287066" xlink:to="loc_bhf_FinancialInstrumentIncomeProducingStatusAxis_019e07fc-434f-7deb-ae8e-0e71c96bdba0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_FinancialInstrumentIncomeProducingStatusDomain_019e07fc-434f-7deb-ae8e-0e71c96bdba0_default" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_FinancialInstrumentIncomeProducingStatusDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_bhf_FinancialInstrumentIncomeProducingStatusAxis_019e07fc-434f-7deb-ae8e-0e71c96bdba0" xlink:to="loc_bhf_FinancialInstrumentIncomeProducingStatusDomain_019e07fc-434f-7deb-ae8e-0e71c96bdba0_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_FinancialInstrumentIncomeProducingStatusDomain_019e07fc-434f-7ad8-b4e8-61f184af79d0" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_FinancialInstrumentIncomeProducingStatusDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_bhf_FinancialInstrumentIncomeProducingStatusAxis_019e07fc-434f-7deb-ae8e-0e71c96bdba0" xlink:to="loc_bhf_FinancialInstrumentIncomeProducingStatusDomain_019e07fc-434f-7ad8-b4e8-61f184af79d0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_NonIncomeProducingMember_019e07fc-434f-72bf-b877-412cd820fee8" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_NonIncomeProducingMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhf_FinancialInstrumentIncomeProducingStatusDomain_019e07fc-434f-7ad8-b4e8-61f184af79d0" xlink:to="loc_bhf_NonIncomeProducingMember_019e07fc-434f-72bf-b877-412cd820fee8" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_019e07fc-434f-7b4a-9dc6-9236f6b4a0eb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable_019e07fc-434f-7ed9-b33e-6b08e8287066" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_019e07fc-434f-7b4a-9dc6-9236f6b4a0eb" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-434f-7b4a-9dc6-9236f6b4a0eb_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_019e07fc-434f-7b4a-9dc6-9236f6b4a0eb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-434f-7b4a-9dc6-9236f6b4a0eb_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-434f-723e-9d52-269b6fbd6d4d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_019e07fc-434f-7b4a-9dc6-9236f6b4a0eb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-434f-723e-9d52-269b6fbd6d4d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-7e8e-9a6e-8df3cd7149ea" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-434f-723e-9d52-269b6fbd6d4d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-7e8e-9a6e-8df3cd7149ea" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_019e07fc-434f-7adf-a0b5-2adebca434e2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7041-9047-0a2e75ced0ee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_019e07fc-434f-7adf-a0b5-2adebca434e2" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestReceivable_019e07fc-434f-7f70-ae46-911044824ddf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestReceivable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7041-9047-0a2e75ced0ee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestReceivable_019e07fc-434f-7f70-ae46-911044824ddf" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLoss_019e07fc-434f-7cd1-b099-6464de749552" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7041-9047-0a2e75ced0ee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleAllowanceForCreditLoss_019e07fc-434f-7cd1-b099-6464de749552" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleWithAllowanceForCreditLossNumberOfPositions_019e07fc-434f-7df4-9847-5392a9fcb145" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleWithAllowanceForCreditLossNumberOfPositions"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7041-9047-0a2e75ced0ee" xlink:to="loc_bhf_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleWithAllowanceForCreditLossNumberOfPositions_019e07fc-434f-7df4-9847-5392a9fcb145" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleWriteoff_019e07fc-434f-7c12-80c1-6159572c2f6c" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleWriteoff"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7041-9047-0a2e75ced0ee" xlink:to="loc_bhf_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleWriteoff_019e07fc-434f-7c12-80c1-6159572c2f6c" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsMortgageLoansNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#InvestmentsMortgageLoansNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsMortgageLoansNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_019e07fc-434f-76a5-ac02-470c768ea1a7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_019e07fc-434f-7339-9b62-80a22189c451" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_019e07fc-434f-76a5-ac02-470c768ea1a7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_019e07fc-434f-7339-9b62-80a22189c451" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_019e07fc-434f-7e0f-b084-bb6c69b7002e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_019e07fc-434f-7339-9b62-80a22189c451" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_019e07fc-434f-7e0f-b084-bb6c69b7002e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_019e07fc-434f-7e0f-b084-bb6c69b7002e_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_019e07fc-434f-7e0f-b084-bb6c69b7002e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_019e07fc-434f-7e0f-b084-bb6c69b7002e_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_019e07fc-434f-7011-8179-396ff7c4e125" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_019e07fc-434f-7e0f-b084-bb6c69b7002e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_019e07fc-434f-7011-8179-396ff7c4e125" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateLoanMember_019e07fc-434f-789d-97f8-8afb468f0f85" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_019e07fc-434f-7011-8179-396ff7c4e125" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateLoanMember_019e07fc-434f-789d-97f8-8afb468f0f85" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_019e07fc-434f-7d63-ac38-293d64f09f9a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_019e07fc-434f-7339-9b62-80a22189c451" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_019e07fc-434f-7d63-ac38-293d64f09f9a" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-434f-7d63-ac38-293d64f09f9a_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_019e07fc-434f-7d63-ac38-293d64f09f9a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-434f-7d63-ac38-293d64f09f9a_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-434f-7240-be8a-0de4cd794fa4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_019e07fc-434f-7d63-ac38-293d64f09f9a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-434f-7240-be8a-0de4cd794fa4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember_019e07fc-434f-77ee-9276-14355c495d94" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_019e07fc-434f-7240-be8a-0de4cd794fa4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember_019e07fc-434f-77ee-9276-14355c495d94" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_019e07fc-434f-7b04-9d9e-e82078092acc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_019e07fc-434f-7339-9b62-80a22189c451" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_019e07fc-434f-7b04-9d9e-e82078092acc" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_019e07fc-434f-7b04-9d9e-e82078092acc_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_019e07fc-434f-7b04-9d9e-e82078092acc" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_019e07fc-434f-7b04-9d9e-e82078092acc_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_019e07fc-434f-7799-9f53-0aad2539758f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_019e07fc-434f-7b04-9d9e-e82078092acc" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_019e07fc-434f-7799-9f53-0aad2539758f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_019e07fc-434f-7508-bb8f-047e0cd09e4e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_019e07fc-434f-7799-9f53-0aad2539758f" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_019e07fc-434f-7508-bb8f-047e0cd09e4e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusAxis_019e07fc-434f-76f5-b6a6-0140ad6b8236" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_019e07fc-434f-7339-9b62-80a22189c451" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusAxis_019e07fc-434f-76f5-b6a6-0140ad6b8236" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusDomain_019e07fc-434f-76f5-b6a6-0140ad6b8236_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusAxis_019e07fc-434f-76f5-b6a6-0140ad6b8236" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusDomain_019e07fc-434f-76f5-b6a6-0140ad6b8236_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusDomain_019e07fc-434f-751c-95a3-40847f3ee6e3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusAxis_019e07fc-434f-76f5-b6a6-0140ad6b8236" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusDomain_019e07fc-434f-751c-95a3-40847f3ee6e3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PerformingFinancingReceivableMember_019e07fc-434f-7629-baac-a3aecb56d44c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PerformingFinancingReceivableMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentPerformanceStatusDomain_019e07fc-434f-751c-95a3-40847f3ee6e3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PerformingFinancingReceivableMember_019e07fc-434f-7629-baac-a3aecb56d44c" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableSignificantPurchases_019e07fc-434f-787d-a03d-94bd62960f51" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableSignificantPurchases"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_019e07fc-434f-76a5-ac02-470c768ea1a7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableSignificantPurchases_019e07fc-434f-787d-a03d-94bd62960f51" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestReceivable_019e07fc-434f-74f5-9477-233d2b8ee8b9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestReceivable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_019e07fc-434f-76a5-ac02-470c768ea1a7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestReceivable_019e07fc-434f-74f5-9477-233d2b8ee8b9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_NumberOfInvestmentPortfolioSegments_019e07fc-434f-7ecd-adbb-6b5fada2b9c9" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_NumberOfInvestmentPortfolioSegments"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_019e07fc-434f-76a5-ac02-470c768ea1a7" xlink:to="loc_bhf_NumberOfInvestmentPortfolioSegments_019e07fc-434f-7ecd-adbb-6b5fada2b9c9" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_NotesReceivableGrossByPerformanceStatusAsPercentageOfNotesReceivableGross_019e07fc-434f-7242-ab3e-21cdd39de385" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_NotesReceivableGrossByPerformanceStatusAsPercentageOfNotesReceivableGross"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_019e07fc-434f-76a5-ac02-470c768ea1a7" xlink:to="loc_bhf_NotesReceivableGrossByPerformanceStatusAsPercentageOfNotesReceivableGross_019e07fc-434f-7242-ab3e-21cdd39de385" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualNoAllowance_019e07fc-434f-7267-89fd-2bd788ef362c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualNoAllowance"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_019e07fc-434f-76a5-ac02-470c768ea1a7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualNoAllowance_019e07fc-434f-7267-89fd-2bd788ef362c" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualInterestIncome_019e07fc-434f-73da-aca2-a99754b4d5f4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualInterestIncome"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_019e07fc-434f-76a5-ac02-470c768ea1a7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualInterestIncome_019e07fc-434f-73da-aca2-a99754b4d5f4" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsOtherInvestedAssetsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#InvestmentsOtherInvestedAssetsNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsOtherInvestedAssetsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_019e07fc-434f-76fc-9187-642cf3739c26" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_019e07fc-434f-7dcc-873a-0aa77c454316" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_019e07fc-434f-76fc-9187-642cf3739c26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_019e07fc-434f-7dcc-873a-0aa77c454316" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_019e07fc-434f-7f5d-b9c1-a98dcc6688fa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_019e07fc-434f-7dcc-873a-0aa77c454316" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_019e07fc-434f-7f5d-b9c1-a98dcc6688fa" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_019e07fc-434f-7f5d-b9c1-a98dcc6688fa_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_019e07fc-434f-7f5d-b9c1-a98dcc6688fa" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_019e07fc-434f-7f5d-b9c1-a98dcc6688fa_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_019e07fc-434f-74b9-bf0a-ad86b9fbfc79" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_019e07fc-434f-7f5d-b9c1-a98dcc6688fa" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_019e07fc-434f-74b9-bf0a-ad86b9fbfc79" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_019e07fc-434f-7f2b-9696-ce4b31284ca5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_019e07fc-434f-74b9-bf0a-ad86b9fbfc79" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_019e07fc-434f-7f2b-9696-ce4b31284ca5" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_PercentageOfOtherInvestedAssetsComprisedOfFreestandingDerivativesWithPositiveEstimatedFairValues_019e07fc-434f-7ccb-962c-c761455a49cb" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_PercentageOfOtherInvestedAssetsComprisedOfFreestandingDerivativesWithPositiveEstimatedFairValues"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_019e07fc-434f-76fc-9187-642cf3739c26" xlink:to="loc_bhf_PercentageOfOtherInvestedAssetsComprisedOfFreestandingDerivativesWithPositiveEstimatedFairValues_019e07fc-434f-7ccb-962c-c761455a49cb" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsInvestedAssetsonDepositHeldinTrustandPledgedasCollateralNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#InvestmentsInvestedAssetsonDepositHeldinTrustandPledgedasCollateralNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsInvestedAssetsonDepositHeldinTrustandPledgedasCollateralNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7036-8286-49e44e554d3b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsTable_019e07fc-434f-7013-b497-418c5c8128f4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7036-8286-49e44e554d3b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsTable_019e07fc-434f-7013-b497-418c5c8128f4" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_RestrictedCashandCashEquivalents1Axis_019e07fc-434f-7089-be9c-114f02d52aaa" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_RestrictedCashandCashEquivalents1Axis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsTable_019e07fc-434f-7013-b497-418c5c8128f4" xlink:to="loc_bhf_RestrictedCashandCashEquivalents1Axis_019e07fc-434f-7089-be9c-114f02d52aaa" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_RestrictedCashandCashEquivalentsDomain_019e07fc-434f-7089-be9c-114f02d52aaa_default" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_RestrictedCashandCashEquivalentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_bhf_RestrictedCashandCashEquivalents1Axis_019e07fc-434f-7089-be9c-114f02d52aaa" xlink:to="loc_bhf_RestrictedCashandCashEquivalentsDomain_019e07fc-434f-7089-be9c-114f02d52aaa_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_RestrictedCashandCashEquivalentsDomain_019e07fc-434f-7305-8e65-9b01151548a3" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_RestrictedCashandCashEquivalentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_bhf_RestrictedCashandCashEquivalents1Axis_019e07fc-434f-7089-be9c-114f02d52aaa" xlink:to="loc_bhf_RestrictedCashandCashEquivalentsDomain_019e07fc-434f-7305-8e65-9b01151548a3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_019e07fc-434f-73bc-9144-08b4710c9f04" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhf_RestrictedCashandCashEquivalentsDomain_019e07fc-434f-7305-8e65-9b01151548a3" xlink:to="loc_bhf_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_019e07fc-434f-73bc-9144-08b4710c9f04" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepositAssets_019e07fc-434f-7c15-ab57-fb1f9da3aa3a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DepositAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7036-8286-49e44e554d3b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepositAssets_019e07fc-434f-7c15-ab57-fb1f9da3aa3a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsHeldInTrust_019e07fc-434f-7be4-af8f-9d06f4c8b015" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsHeldInTrust"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7036-8286-49e44e554d3b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsHeldInTrust_019e07fc-434f-7be4-af8f-9d06f4c8b015" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankStock_019e07fc-434f-77a9-8456-2ed7ea6458ac" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankStock"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7036-8286-49e44e554d3b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankStock_019e07fc-434f-77a9-8456-2ed7ea6458ac" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsNetInvestmentIncomeNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#InvestmentsNetInvestmentIncomeNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsNetInvestmentIncomeNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7529-94f3-77bba010e7f2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryTable_019e07fc-434f-7312-bafb-68ddc1a2b046" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7529-94f3-77bba010e7f2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryTable_019e07fc-434f-7312-bafb-68ddc1a2b046" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_019e07fc-434f-707e-b475-260b9b960ac6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryTable_019e07fc-434f-7312-bafb-68ddc1a2b046" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_019e07fc-434f-707e-b475-260b9b960ac6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019e07fc-434f-707e-b475-260b9b960ac6_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_019e07fc-434f-707e-b475-260b9b960ac6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019e07fc-434f-707e-b475-260b9b960ac6_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019e07fc-434f-72c1-b535-bfcac4b95e6d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_019e07fc-434f-707e-b475-260b9b960ac6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019e07fc-434f-72c1-b535-bfcac4b95e6d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_TradingSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-7b73-bba0-6d21289a1000" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_TradingSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019e07fc-434f-72c1-b535-bfcac4b95e6d" xlink:to="loc_bhf_TradingSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-7b73-bba0-6d21289a1000" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LimitedPartnerMember_019e07fc-434f-7d42-9374-5b1edbf85a0d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedPartnerMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019e07fc-434f-72c1-b535-bfcac4b95e6d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LimitedPartnerMember_019e07fc-434f-7d42-9374-5b1edbf85a0d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesTradingUnrealizedGainLoss_019e07fc-434f-79bf-99b0-e0759a3ff890" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesTradingUnrealizedGainLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7529-94f3-77bba010e7f2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesTradingUnrealizedGainLoss_019e07fc-434f-79bf-99b0-e0759a3ff890" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome_019e07fc-434f-7070-8393-dee1388899cf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7529-94f3-77bba010e7f2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome_019e07fc-434f-7070-8393-dee1388899cf" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DerivativesPrimaryRisksManagedbyDerivativesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#DerivativesPrimaryRisksManagedbyDerivativesDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DerivativesPrimaryRisksManagedbyDerivativesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7f4c-aaec-c676afd6e456" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_019e07fc-434f-7309-a4c6-eb622f20337c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7f4c-aaec-c676afd6e456" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_019e07fc-434f-7309-a4c6-eb622f20337c" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_019e07fc-434f-7caf-8971-a1a37c0f190c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_019e07fc-434f-7309-a4c6-eb622f20337c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_019e07fc-434f-7caf-8971-a1a37c0f190c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7caf-8971-a1a37c0f190c_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_019e07fc-434f-7caf-8971-a1a37c0f190c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7caf-8971-a1a37c0f190c_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7fd1-b59a-db63baa67c24" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_019e07fc-434f-7caf-8971-a1a37c0f190c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7fd1-b59a-db63baa67c24" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_019e07fc-434f-7f40-a0ab-03e211e77505" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7fd1-b59a-db63baa67c24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_019e07fc-434f-7f40-a0ab-03e211e77505" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateFloorMember_019e07fc-434f-7a7d-b0ae-17d14f7e176d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateFloorMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7fd1-b59a-db63baa67c24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateFloorMember_019e07fc-434f-7a7d-b0ae-17d14f7e176d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateCapMember_019e07fc-434f-703c-b993-762eb86dee08" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateCapMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7fd1-b59a-db63baa67c24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateCapMember_019e07fc-434f-703c-b993-762eb86dee08" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwaptionMember_019e07fc-434f-7087-bc43-143217ef028f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwaptionMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7fd1-b59a-db63baa67c24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwaptionMember_019e07fc-434f-7087-bc43-143217ef028f" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_InterestrateforwardMember_019e07fc-434f-73e2-90ca-873a94218c99" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_InterestrateforwardMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7fd1-b59a-db63baa67c24" xlink:to="loc_bhf_InterestrateforwardMember_019e07fc-434f-73e2-90ca-873a94218c99" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember_019e07fc-434f-77ec-adb6-eeedc85e08a8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7fd1-b59a-db63baa67c24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember_019e07fc-434f-77ec-adb6-eeedc85e08a8" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember_019e07fc-434f-7178-a95e-c4604b2d4019" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7fd1-b59a-db63baa67c24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember_019e07fc-434f-7178-a95e-c4604b2d4019" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapSellingProtectionMember_019e07fc-434f-7620-ad07-17f05306be02" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapSellingProtectionMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7fd1-b59a-db63baa67c24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapSellingProtectionMember_019e07fc-434f-7620-ad07-17f05306be02" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_EquityFuturesMember_019e07fc-434f-77ce-964c-6bb75437594d" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_EquityFuturesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7fd1-b59a-db63baa67c24" xlink:to="loc_bhf_EquityFuturesMember_019e07fc-434f-77ce-964c-6bb75437594d" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockOptionMember_019e07fc-434f-711e-87ff-5d58cde5d82b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockOptionMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7fd1-b59a-db63baa67c24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockOptionMember_019e07fc-434f-711e-87ff-5d58cde5d82b" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_EquityTotalReturnSwapsMember_019e07fc-434f-759d-b9e6-ee10ed874929" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_EquityTotalReturnSwapsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7fd1-b59a-db63baa67c24" xlink:to="loc_bhf_EquityTotalReturnSwapsMember_019e07fc-434f-759d-b9e6-ee10ed874929" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_019e07fc-434f-70df-bb19-30587673bd04" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_019e07fc-434f-7309-a4c6-eb622f20337c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_019e07fc-434f-70df-bb19-30587673bd04" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_019e07fc-434f-70df-bb19-30587673bd04_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_019e07fc-434f-70df-bb19-30587673bd04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_019e07fc-434f-70df-bb19-30587673bd04_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_019e07fc-434f-7940-a9bd-1d1514b6ddd8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_019e07fc-434f-70df-bb19-30587673bd04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_019e07fc-434f-7940-a9bd-1d1514b6ddd8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember_019e07fc-434f-7a1b-9308-f77dca76a8d1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_019e07fc-434f-7940-a9bd-1d1514b6ddd8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember_019e07fc-434f-7a1b-9308-f77dca76a8d1" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_019e07fc-434f-7afe-9bac-c973d0de5c12" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_019e07fc-434f-7309-a4c6-eb622f20337c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_019e07fc-434f-7afe-9bac-c973d0de5c12" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_019e07fc-434f-7afe-9bac-c973d0de5c12_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_019e07fc-434f-7afe-9bac-c973d0de5c12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_019e07fc-434f-7afe-9bac-c973d0de5c12_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_019e07fc-434f-777e-8496-4e2b0282012a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_019e07fc-434f-7afe-9bac-c973d0de5c12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_019e07fc-434f-777e-8496-4e2b0282012a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember_019e07fc-434f-782c-8937-948d2a9e2ee6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_019e07fc-434f-777e-8496-4e2b0282012a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember_019e07fc-434f-782c-8937-948d2a9e2ee6" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_019e07fc-434f-74e0-b49b-8c265fa23577" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NondesignatedMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_019e07fc-434f-777e-8496-4e2b0282012a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_019e07fc-434f-74e0-b49b-8c265fa23577" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount_019e07fc-434f-7dbe-8459-131009b4834c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7f4c-aaec-c676afd6e456" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount_019e07fc-434f-7dbe-8459-131009b4834c" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_019e07fc-434f-782e-b0dd-bd5c429e3f45" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7f4c-aaec-c676afd6e456" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_019e07fc-434f-782e-b0dd-bd5c429e3f45" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_019e07fc-434f-72c1-b760-7cc35a7dc719" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7f4c-aaec-c676afd6e456" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_019e07fc-434f-72c1-b760-7cc35a7dc719" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DerivativesDerivativesPertainingtoHedgedItemsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#DerivativesDerivativesPertainingtoHedgedItemsDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DerivativesDerivativesPertainingtoHedgedItemsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7e44-9975-173317d81de5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_019e07fc-434f-7517-a98d-3ff603765314" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7e44-9975-173317d81de5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_019e07fc-434f-7517-a98d-3ff603765314" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_019e07fc-434f-703e-ac91-fd3a73d6e8d7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_019e07fc-434f-7517-a98d-3ff603765314" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_019e07fc-434f-703e-ac91-fd3a73d6e8d7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-703e-ac91-fd3a73d6e8d7_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_019e07fc-434f-703e-ac91-fd3a73d6e8d7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-703e-ac91-fd3a73d6e8d7_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7e03-a864-2f81d84e0595" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_019e07fc-434f-703e-ac91-fd3a73d6e8d7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7e03-a864-2f81d84e0595" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember_019e07fc-434f-717b-8f37-4a1c98e1972e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7e03-a864-2f81d84e0595" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember_019e07fc-434f-717b-8f37-4a1c98e1972e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember_019e07fc-434f-751e-b4e5-b7a3c3f41fd8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7e03-a864-2f81d84e0595" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember_019e07fc-434f-751e-b4e5-b7a3c3f41fd8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditRiskContractMember_019e07fc-434f-7488-9a04-a240fab0502f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CreditRiskContractMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7e03-a864-2f81d84e0595" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditRiskContractMember_019e07fc-434f-7488-9a04-a240fab0502f" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityContractMember_019e07fc-434f-77c6-977f-4310ae1d1c00" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EquityContractMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7e03-a864-2f81d84e0595" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityContractMember_019e07fc-434f-77c6-977f-4310ae1d1c00" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsMember_019e07fc-434f-7dde-9df4-29bf3b15d337" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7e03-a864-2f81d84e0595" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsMember_019e07fc-434f-7dde-9df4-29bf3b15d337" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_019e07fc-434f-7754-8257-04bdb74a5fd6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_019e07fc-434f-7517-a98d-3ff603765314" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_019e07fc-434f-7754-8257-04bdb74a5fd6" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_019e07fc-434f-7754-8257-04bdb74a5fd6_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_019e07fc-434f-7754-8257-04bdb74a5fd6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_019e07fc-434f-7754-8257-04bdb74a5fd6_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_019e07fc-434f-7152-a5a9-6a5a75fe9d96" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_019e07fc-434f-7754-8257-04bdb74a5fd6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_019e07fc-434f-7152-a5a9-6a5a75fe9d96" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember_019e07fc-434f-7643-832c-d4b967ba02ec" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_019e07fc-434f-7152-a5a9-6a5a75fe9d96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember_019e07fc-434f-7643-832c-d4b967ba02ec" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_019e07fc-434f-7e20-9ebb-3157efdb3935" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_019e07fc-434f-7517-a98d-3ff603765314" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_019e07fc-434f-7e20-9ebb-3157efdb3935" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_019e07fc-434f-7e20-9ebb-3157efdb3935_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_019e07fc-434f-7e20-9ebb-3157efdb3935" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_019e07fc-434f-7e20-9ebb-3157efdb3935_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_019e07fc-434f-7183-a99d-9f3f5a89bde6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_019e07fc-434f-7e20-9ebb-3157efdb3935" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_019e07fc-434f-7183-a99d-9f3f5a89bde6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_019e07fc-434f-7e7b-8589-a94e6f61492f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NondesignatedMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_019e07fc-434f-7183-a99d-9f3f5a89bde6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_019e07fc-434f-7e7b-8589-a94e6f61492f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_019e83ce-e9e4-7c52-bf22-c90e1d17c805" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_019e07fc-434f-7517-a98d-3ff603765314" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_019e83ce-e9e4-7c52-bf22-c90e1d17c805" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019e83ce-e9e4-7c52-bf22-c90e1d17c805_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_019e83ce-e9e4-7c52-bf22-c90e1d17c805" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019e83ce-e9e4-7c52-bf22-c90e1d17c805_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019e83ce-e9e4-7869-a1f7-45a1f18481a9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_019e83ce-e9e4-7c52-bf22-c90e1d17c805" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019e83ce-e9e4-7869-a1f7-45a1f18481a9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_NetDerivativesMember_019e842f-6f2a-7e77-b447-81a481d37df9" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_NetDerivativesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_019e83ce-e9e4-7869-a1f7-45a1f18481a9" xlink:to="loc_bhf_NetDerivativesMember_019e842f-6f2a-7e77-b447-81a481d37df9" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_019e8e85-8214-74c1-ba6f-bcbe09dc82cf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_019e07fc-434f-7517-a98d-3ff603765314" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_019e8e85-8214-74c1-ba6f-bcbe09dc82cf" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_019e8e85-8214-74c1-ba6f-bcbe09dc82cf_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_019e8e85-8214-74c1-ba6f-bcbe09dc82cf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_019e8e85-8214-74c1-ba6f-bcbe09dc82cf_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_019e8e85-8214-7498-8eb2-3b547746976d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_019e8e85-8214-74c1-ba6f-bcbe09dc82cf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_019e8e85-8214-7498-8eb2-3b547746976d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsMember_019e8e87-43ec-7028-aa26-ee170acd2380" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_019e8e85-8214-7498-8eb2-3b547746976d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsMember_019e8e87-43ec-7028-aa26-ee170acd2380" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax_019e07fc-434f-7e29-b9ea-0c48166cff01" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7e44-9975-173317d81de5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax_019e07fc-434f-7e29-b9ea-0c48166cff01" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInUnrealizedGainLossOnHedgedItemInFairValueHedge1_019e07fc-434f-77b4-adfa-66293d126d33" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInUnrealizedGainLossOnHedgedItemInFairValueHedge1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7e44-9975-173317d81de5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInUnrealizedGainLossOnHedgedItemInFairValueHedge1_019e07fc-434f-77b4-adfa-66293d126d33" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome_019e07fc-434f-7013-aad1-156fdc175dd2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7e44-9975-173317d81de5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome_019e07fc-434f-7013-aad1-156fdc175dd2" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_019e07fc-434f-7e66-b340-dde584163488" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7e44-9975-173317d81de5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_019e07fc-434f-7e66-b340-dde584163488" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_GainsLossesDeferredInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossOnDerivativesEffectivePortion_019e07fc-434f-753d-b46b-bb2ec78574ff" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_GainsLossesDeferredInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossOnDerivativesEffectivePortion"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7e44-9975-173317d81de5" xlink:to="loc_bhf_GainsLossesDeferredInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossOnDerivativesEffectivePortion_019e07fc-434f-753d-b46b-bb2ec78574ff" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DerivativesCreditDerivativesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#DerivativesCreditDerivativesDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DerivativesCreditDerivativesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesLineItems_019e07fc-434f-74fd-aa6c-b19d134b286b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CreditDerivativesLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCreditDerivativesTable_019e07fc-434f-7020-a3df-8084df51c68c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCreditDerivativesTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesLineItems_019e07fc-434f-74fd-aa6c-b19d134b286b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCreditDerivativesTable_019e07fc-434f-7020-a3df-8084df51c68c" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesByContractTypeAxis_019e07fc-434f-7271-9a95-828fd0e6bbf2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CreditDerivativesByContractTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCreditDerivativesTable_019e07fc-434f-7020-a3df-8084df51c68c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesByContractTypeAxis_019e07fc-434f-7271-9a95-828fd0e6bbf2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7271-9a95-828fd0e6bbf2_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CreditDerivativesContractTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesByContractTypeAxis_019e07fc-434f-7271-9a95-828fd0e6bbf2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7271-9a95-828fd0e6bbf2_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7aed-a57e-f94f34d78881" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CreditDerivativesContractTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesByContractTypeAxis_019e07fc-434f-7271-9a95-828fd0e6bbf2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7aed-a57e-f94f34d78881" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMember_019e07fc-434f-715f-a510-13e86decfee5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7aed-a57e-f94f34d78881" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapMember_019e07fc-434f-715f-a510-13e86decfee5" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_019e07fc-434f-7ca4-960c-cbd09a111a37" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCreditDerivativesTable_019e07fc-434f-7020-a3df-8084df51c68c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_019e07fc-434f-7ca4-960c-cbd09a111a37" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_019e07fc-434f-7ca4-960c-cbd09a111a37_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_019e07fc-434f-7ca4-960c-cbd09a111a37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_019e07fc-434f-7ca4-960c-cbd09a111a37_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_019e07fc-434f-7829-8b30-5d19b5419aab" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_019e07fc-434f-7ca4-960c-cbd09a111a37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_019e07fc-434f-7829-8b30-5d19b5419aab" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_AaaAaMember_019e07fc-434f-73b5-a8b6-96105b4553b2" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_AaaAaMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_019e07fc-434f-7829-8b30-5d19b5419aab" xlink:to="loc_bhf_AaaAaMember_019e07fc-434f-73b5-a8b6-96105b4553b2" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_BaaMember_019e07fc-434f-7d86-b6d1-e5e896b46944" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_BaaMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_019e07fc-434f-7829-8b30-5d19b5419aab" xlink:to="loc_bhf_BaaMember_019e07fc-434f-7d86-b6d1-e5e896b46944" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_BaMember_019e07fc-434f-7bd7-a350-524b3fb57460" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_BaMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_019e07fc-434f-7829-8b30-5d19b5419aab" xlink:to="loc_bhf_BaMember_019e07fc-434f-7bd7-a350-524b3fb57460" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditRiskDerivativesAtFairValueNet_019e07fc-434f-7efe-b386-488a601b1ee8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CreditRiskDerivativesAtFairValueNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesLineItems_019e07fc-434f-74fd-aa6c-b19d134b286b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditRiskDerivativesAtFairValueNet_019e07fc-434f-7efe-b386-488a601b1ee8" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativeMaximumExposureUndiscounted_019e07fc-434f-7007-ab98-39d3221ca870" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CreditDerivativeMaximumExposureUndiscounted"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesLineItems_019e07fc-434f-74fd-aa6c-b19d134b286b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativeMaximumExposureUndiscounted_019e07fc-434f-7007-ab98-39d3221ca870" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAverageRemainingMaturity1_019e07fc-434f-7503-86d4-e7ec13b18d02" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAverageRemainingMaturity1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesLineItems_019e07fc-434f-74fd-aa6c-b19d134b286b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAverageRemainingMaturity1_019e07fc-434f-7503-86d4-e7ec13b18d02" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DerivativesCreditRiskonFreestandingDerivativesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#DerivativesCreditRiskonFreestandingDerivativesDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DerivativesCreditRiskonFreestandingDerivativesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesLineItems_019e07fc-434f-75ec-bbc8-1c7a91462bd7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CreditDerivativesLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCreditDerivativesTable_019e07fc-434f-7d97-a6f8-8d6d596f6306" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCreditDerivativesTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesLineItems_019e07fc-434f-75ec-bbc8-1c7a91462bd7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCreditDerivativesTable_019e07fc-434f-7d97-a6f8-8d6d596f6306" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_019e07fc-434f-730f-bd67-510d4a315f29" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCreditDerivativesTable_019e07fc-434f-7d97-a6f8-8d6d596f6306" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_019e07fc-434f-730f-bd67-510d4a315f29" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_019e07fc-434f-730f-bd67-510d4a315f29_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_019e07fc-434f-730f-bd67-510d4a315f29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_019e07fc-434f-730f-bd67-510d4a315f29_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_019e07fc-434f-7c13-b2a8-a0710963d12f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_019e07fc-434f-730f-bd67-510d4a315f29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_019e07fc-434f-7c13-b2a8-a0710963d12f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_DerivativesSubjectToCreditContingentProvisionsMember_019e07fc-434f-76a2-98a7-205ffdefe51f" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_DerivativesSubjectToCreditContingentProvisionsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_019e07fc-434f-7c13-b2a8-a0710963d12f" xlink:to="loc_bhf_DerivativesSubjectToCreditContingentProvisionsMember_019e07fc-434f-76a2-98a7-205ffdefe51f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNetLiabilityPositionAggregateFairValue_019e07fc-434f-76dc-972e-281f2673f2b4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNetLiabilityPositionAggregateFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesLineItems_019e07fc-434f-75ec-bbc8-1c7a91462bd7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNetLiabilityPositionAggregateFairValue_019e07fc-434f-76dc-972e-281f2673f2b4" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollateralAlreadyPostedAggregateFairValue_019e07fc-434f-75f7-88f9-529625450f4d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CollateralAlreadyPostedAggregateFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesLineItems_019e07fc-434f-75ec-bbc8-1c7a91462bd7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollateralAlreadyPostedAggregateFairValue_019e07fc-434f-75f7-88f9-529625450f4d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/FairValueRecurringFairValueMeasurementsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#FairValueRecurringFairValueMeasurementsDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/FairValueRecurringFairValueMeasurementsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_019e07fc-434f-74d7-bbd3-b0659c4d84bb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_019e07fc-434f-7897-9b9b-f0367902c7bb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_019e07fc-434f-74d7-bbd3-b0659c4d84bb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_019e07fc-434f-7897-9b9b-f0367902c7bb" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_019e07fc-434f-719b-bdbb-34db280a5c0a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_019e07fc-434f-7897-9b9b-f0367902c7bb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_019e07fc-434f-719b-bdbb-34db280a5c0a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_019e07fc-434f-719b-bdbb-34db280a5c0a_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_019e07fc-434f-719b-bdbb-34db280a5c0a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_019e07fc-434f-719b-bdbb-34db280a5c0a_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_019e07fc-434f-7f5a-b7f6-a54145a14f04" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_019e07fc-434f-719b-bdbb-34db280a5c0a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_019e07fc-434f-7f5a-b7f6-a54145a14f04" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_019e07fc-434f-7fa3-9828-a45c09a7c636" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_019e07fc-434f-7f5a-b7f6-a54145a14f04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_019e07fc-434f-7fa3-9828-a45c09a7c636" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_019e07fc-434f-7c2f-84f5-ae330cf82610" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_019e07fc-434f-7f5a-b7f6-a54145a14f04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_019e07fc-434f-7c2f-84f5-ae330cf82610" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_019e07fc-434f-7df1-b78f-f9f008a5949d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_019e07fc-434f-7f5a-b7f6-a54145a14f04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_019e07fc-434f-7df1-b78f-f9f008a5949d" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_019e07fc-434f-77d5-85b3-15ccce1332ab" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_019e07fc-434f-7897-9b9b-f0367902c7bb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_019e07fc-434f-77d5-85b3-15ccce1332ab" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_019e07fc-434f-77d5-85b3-15ccce1332ab_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_019e07fc-434f-77d5-85b3-15ccce1332ab" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_019e07fc-434f-77d5-85b3-15ccce1332ab_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_019e07fc-434f-7292-baa7-9dae49d4bc76" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_019e07fc-434f-77d5-85b3-15ccce1332ab" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_019e07fc-434f-7292-baa7-9dae49d4bc76" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-7158-a6bc-4663c6aaa6ff" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_019e07fc-434f-7292-baa7-9dae49d4bc76" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-7158-a6bc-4663c6aaa6ff" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-738f-94eb-4844e472123a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_019e07fc-434f-7292-baa7-9dae49d4bc76" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-738f-94eb-4844e472123a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-7d0e-82dd-415304002161" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_019e07fc-434f-7292-baa7-9dae49d4bc76" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-7d0e-82dd-415304002161" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember_019e07fc-434f-77e4-835e-1e768853fd3a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_019e07fc-434f-7292-baa7-9dae49d4bc76" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember_019e07fc-434f-77e4-835e-1e768853fd3a" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-71c1-9c41-a28cdabcecd3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_019e07fc-434f-7292-baa7-9dae49d4bc76" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-71c1-9c41-a28cdabcecd3" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-7b81-808b-e4cda0f26a05" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_019e07fc-434f-7292-baa7-9dae49d4bc76" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-7b81-808b-e4cda0f26a05" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_019e07fc-434f-7ba3-9d39-e3b6877507ec" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_019e07fc-434f-7292-baa7-9dae49d4bc76" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_019e07fc-434f-7ba3-9d39-e3b6877507ec" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-79e5-9413-1b1e6d0f09ea" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_019e07fc-434f-7292-baa7-9dae49d4bc76" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-79e5-9413-1b1e6d0f09ea" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_019e07fc-434f-7618-9759-ca4bb0540cb6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_019e07fc-434f-7897-9b9b-f0367902c7bb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_019e07fc-434f-7618-9759-ca4bb0540cb6" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7618-9759-ca4bb0540cb6_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_019e07fc-434f-7618-9759-ca4bb0540cb6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7618-9759-ca4bb0540cb6_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7492-a5b8-de09da6f9469" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_019e07fc-434f-7618-9759-ca4bb0540cb6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7492-a5b8-de09da6f9469" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember_019e07fc-434f-7201-be79-4a4e7cac57f6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7492-a5b8-de09da6f9469" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember_019e07fc-434f-7201-be79-4a4e7cac57f6" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember_019e07fc-434f-7b5b-b62c-46587dddcdb3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7492-a5b8-de09da6f9469" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember_019e07fc-434f-7b5b-b62c-46587dddcdb3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditRiskContractMember_019e07fc-434f-7d30-8173-92d9ddcda09b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CreditRiskContractMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7492-a5b8-de09da6f9469" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditRiskContractMember_019e07fc-434f-7d30-8173-92d9ddcda09b" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityContractMember_019e07fc-434f-7139-98f6-03e7063e5ab2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EquityContractMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7492-a5b8-de09da6f9469" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityContractMember_019e07fc-434f-7139-98f6-03e7063e5ab2" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_019e07fc-434f-73f1-ab02-9cc5becaa400" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_019e07fc-434f-74d7-bbd3-b0659c4d84bb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_019e07fc-434f-73f1-ab02-9cc5becaa400" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_019e07fc-434f-75c7-ad76-cb9fd2a5f609" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_019e07fc-434f-73f1-ab02-9cc5becaa400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_019e07fc-434f-75c7-ad76-cb9fd2a5f609" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesDebt_019e07fc-434f-7baf-bbe0-aea610edbd09" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesDebt"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_019e07fc-434f-73f1-ab02-9cc5becaa400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesDebt_019e07fc-434f-7baf-bbe0-aea610edbd09" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiCurrentAndNoncurrent_019e07fc-434f-7861-9ab7-f13292f23d9d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiCurrentAndNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_019e07fc-434f-73f1-ab02-9cc5becaa400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiCurrentAndNoncurrent_019e07fc-434f-7861-9ab7-f13292f23d9d" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherShortTermInvestments_019e07fc-434f-756c-ba8a-44c08790c5b1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherShortTermInvestments"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_019e07fc-434f-73f1-ab02-9cc5becaa400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherShortTermInvestments_019e07fc-434f-756c-ba8a-44c08790c5b1" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_019e07fc-434f-7b59-af76-5f535b05dd77" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_019e07fc-434f-73f1-ab02-9cc5becaa400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_019e07fc-434f-7b59-af76-5f535b05dd77" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeAsset_019e07fc-434f-7e59-85ae-c72381ed5a34" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeAsset"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_019e07fc-434f-73f1-ab02-9cc5becaa400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeAsset_019e07fc-434f-7e59-85ae-c72381ed5a34" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitAssetAmount_019e07fc-434f-77cc-864a-ba64c9c57b4c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitAssetAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_019e07fc-434f-73f1-ab02-9cc5becaa400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitAssetAmount_019e07fc-434f-77cc-864a-ba64c9c57b4c" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssets_019e07fc-434f-7892-a57f-78803cbc41ca" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_019e07fc-434f-73f1-ab02-9cc5becaa400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssets_019e07fc-434f-7892-a57f-78803cbc41ca" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_019e07fc-434f-7bc3-9667-0e665671888d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_019e07fc-434f-73f1-ab02-9cc5becaa400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_019e07fc-434f-7bc3-9667-0e665671888d" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_019e07fc-434f-7680-9822-fe2bdaed4913" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_019e07fc-434f-74d7-bbd3-b0659c4d84bb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_019e07fc-434f-7680-9822-fe2bdaed4913" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitLiabilityAmount_019e07fc-434f-76d5-8a54-f8874f68aa07" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitLiabilityAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_019e07fc-434f-7680-9822-fe2bdaed4913" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitLiabilityAmount_019e07fc-434f-76d5-8a54-f8874f68aa07" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_019e07fc-434f-7918-80e2-c6c15d61f5e0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_019e07fc-434f-7680-9822-fe2bdaed4913" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_019e07fc-434f-7918-80e2-c6c15d61f5e0" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeLiability_019e07fc-434f-736b-a830-2060310590d6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeLiability"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_019e07fc-434f-7680-9822-fe2bdaed4913" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeLiability_019e07fc-434f-736b-a830-2060310590d6" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_019e07fc-434f-7726-a2e1-125a8ef6fa68" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_019e07fc-434f-7680-9822-fe2bdaed4913" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_019e07fc-434f-7726-a2e1-125a8ef6fa68" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/FairValueAssetsandLiabilitiesMeasuredQuantitativeInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#FairValueAssetsandLiabilitiesMeasuredQuantitativeInformationDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/FairValueAssetsandLiabilitiesMeasuredQuantitativeInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7340-8753-74f85b0b9fd9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable_019e07fc-434f-7005-8037-ce6579b5e253" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7340-8753-74f85b0b9fd9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable_019e07fc-434f-7005-8037-ce6579b5e253" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis_019e07fc-434f-7fbb-ae7a-c9066a3916f3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable_019e07fc-434f-7005-8037-ce6579b5e253" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis_019e07fc-434f-7fbb-ae7a-c9066a3916f3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7fbb-ae7a-c9066a3916f3_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis_019e07fc-434f-7fbb-ae7a-c9066a3916f3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-7fbb-ae7a-c9066a3916f3_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-79af-83cb-4e00584f2b9c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis_019e07fc-434f-7fbb-ae7a-c9066a3916f3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-79af-83cb-4e00584f2b9c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputMortalityRateMember_019e07fc-434f-74aa-84ea-e28b3d54eeed" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputMortalityRateMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-79af-83cb-4e00584f2b9c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputMortalityRateMember_019e07fc-434f-74aa-84ea-e28b3d54eeed" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputLapseRateMember_019e07fc-434f-7236-a909-b8911b8c90e7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputLapseRateMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-79af-83cb-4e00584f2b9c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputLapseRateMember_019e07fc-434f-7236-a909-b8911b8c90e7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputUtilizationRateMember_019e07fc-434f-7c19-af3a-93c91fa89b6e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputUtilizationRateMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-79af-83cb-4e00584f2b9c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputUtilizationRateMember_019e07fc-434f-7c19-af3a-93c91fa89b6e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputWithdrawalRateMember_019e07fc-434f-7689-9768-18ad2b11c48a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputWithdrawalRateMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-79af-83cb-4e00584f2b9c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputWithdrawalRateMember_019e07fc-434f-7689-9768-18ad2b11c48a" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_MeasurementInputLongTermEquityVolatilitiesMember_019e07fc-434f-76a0-acc9-99f6cec434e8" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_MeasurementInputLongTermEquityVolatilitiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-79af-83cb-4e00584f2b9c" xlink:to="loc_bhf_MeasurementInputLongTermEquityVolatilitiesMember_019e07fc-434f-76a0-acc9-99f6cec434e8" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputEntityCreditRiskMember_019e07fc-434f-7a83-b79a-38e227639376" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputEntityCreditRiskMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-79af-83cb-4e00584f2b9c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputEntityCreditRiskMember_019e07fc-434f-7a83-b79a-38e227639376" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_019e07fc-434f-7700-9db2-b06515c98bf5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable_019e07fc-434f-7005-8037-ce6579b5e253" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_019e07fc-434f-7700-9db2-b06515c98bf5" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_019e07fc-434f-7700-9db2-b06515c98bf5_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_019e07fc-434f-7700-9db2-b06515c98bf5" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_019e07fc-434f-7700-9db2-b06515c98bf5_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_019e07fc-434f-7e14-9fb6-12c7d180b715" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_019e07fc-434f-7700-9db2-b06515c98bf5" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_019e07fc-434f-7e14-9fb6-12c7d180b715" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_019e07fc-434f-7db1-b41a-2c7525cddc62" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_019e07fc-434f-7e14-9fb6-12c7d180b715" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_019e07fc-434f-7db1-b41a-2c7525cddc62" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_019e07fc-434f-71e6-b861-0f7127ec3a48" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_019e07fc-434f-7e14-9fb6-12c7d180b715" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_019e07fc-434f-71e6-b861-0f7127ec3a48" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_019e07fc-434f-7fc1-afef-6bec39a72095" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable_019e07fc-434f-7005-8037-ce6579b5e253" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_019e07fc-434f-7fc1-afef-6bec39a72095" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_019e07fc-434f-7fc1-afef-6bec39a72095_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_019e07fc-434f-7fc1-afef-6bec39a72095" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_019e07fc-434f-7fc1-afef-6bec39a72095_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_019e07fc-434f-7d64-a8ae-f30a58a637b0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_019e07fc-434f-7fc1-afef-6bec39a72095" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_019e07fc-434f-7d64-a8ae-f30a58a637b0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_019e07fc-434f-700b-8a4f-f4d67c1222d4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_019e07fc-434f-7d64-a8ae-f30a58a637b0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_019e07fc-434f-700b-8a4f-f4d67c1222d4" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitMeasurementInput_019e07fc-434f-7b8f-b272-10f50abdb40e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitMeasurementInput"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7340-8753-74f85b0b9fd9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketRiskBenefitMeasurementInput_019e07fc-434f-7b8f-b272-10f50abdb40e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeLiabilityMeasurementInput_019e07fc-434f-73c3-98eb-c9fa6cd402ff" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeLiabilityMeasurementInput"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems_019e07fc-434f-7340-8753-74f85b0b9fd9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeLiabilityMeasurementInput_019e07fc-434f-73c3-98eb-c9fa6cd402ff" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/FairValueUnobservableInputReconciliationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#FairValueUnobservableInputReconciliationDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/FairValueUnobservableInputReconciliationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7102-a938-7866b2d40a17" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_019e07fc-434f-7299-a38c-4600114232ab" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7102-a938-7866b2d40a17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_019e07fc-434f-7299-a38c-4600114232ab" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_019e07fc-434f-7911-a6e0-66902488b80b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_019e07fc-434f-7299-a38c-4600114232ab" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_019e07fc-434f-7911-a6e0-66902488b80b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_019e07fc-434f-7911-a6e0-66902488b80b_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_019e07fc-434f-7911-a6e0-66902488b80b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_019e07fc-434f-7911-a6e0-66902488b80b_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_019e07fc-434f-708b-b4bb-5f6a2a0d6e75" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_019e07fc-434f-7911-a6e0-66902488b80b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_019e07fc-434f-708b-b4bb-5f6a2a0d6e75" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-7777-90bf-78111e1a3b9b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_019e07fc-434f-708b-b4bb-5f6a2a0d6e75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-7777-90bf-78111e1a3b9b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_StructuredSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-7b52-ad21-ca74283712d1" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_StructuredSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_019e07fc-434f-708b-b4bb-5f6a2a0d6e75" xlink:to="loc_bhf_StructuredSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-7b52-ad21-ca74283712d1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-781c-893c-9331f1c9fa78" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_019e07fc-434f-708b-b4bb-5f6a2a0d6e75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-781c-893c-9331f1c9fa78" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_TradingSecuritiesMember_019e6fba-3b80-7214-9bfb-23a1e478cf28" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_TradingSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_019e07fc-434f-708b-b4bb-5f6a2a0d6e75" xlink:to="loc_bhf_TradingSecuritiesMember_019e6fba-3b80-7214-9bfb-23a1e478cf28" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-7d21-a9cb-1229ea800f8d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_019e07fc-434f-708b-b4bb-5f6a2a0d6e75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_019e07fc-434f-7d21-a9cb-1229ea800f8d" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_019e07fc-434f-7502-b20d-fe70fa10a508" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_019e07fc-434f-708b-b4bb-5f6a2a0d6e75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_019e07fc-434f-7502-b20d-fe70fa10a508" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_019e07fc-434f-79d0-b0ed-ee0a6625be8d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_019e07fc-434f-7299-a38c-4600114232ab" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_019e07fc-434f-79d0-b0ed-ee0a6625be8d" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-79d0-b0ed-ee0a6625be8d_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_019e07fc-434f-79d0-b0ed-ee0a6625be8d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-79d0-b0ed-ee0a6625be8d_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-735c-9d29-3e5a202da098" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_019e07fc-434f-79d0-b0ed-ee0a6625be8d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-735c-9d29-3e5a202da098" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_NetDerivativesMember_019e07fc-4350-7fbe-84a8-daa82dda5e92" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_NetDerivativesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-735c-9d29-3e5a202da098" xlink:to="loc_bhf_NetDerivativesMember_019e07fc-4350-7fbe-84a8-daa82dda5e92" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsMember_019e07fc-4350-753b-a42c-a69295f0442f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-434f-735c-9d29-3e5a202da098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsMember_019e07fc-4350-753b-a42c-a69295f0442f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_019e07fc-4350-718a-98ab-015cd22a6748" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7102-a938-7866b2d40a17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_019e07fc-4350-718a-98ab-015cd22a6748" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue_019e07fc-4350-7a12-b5ef-d95d460444e1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_019e07fc-4350-718a-98ab-015cd22a6748" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue_019e07fc-4350-7a12-b5ef-d95d460444e1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1_019e07fc-4350-7b67-92ad-277bfdfc944e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_019e07fc-4350-718a-98ab-015cd22a6748" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1_019e07fc-4350-7b67-92ad-277bfdfc944e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss_019e07fc-4350-79d7-8683-cbfb7ec69aba" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_019e07fc-4350-718a-98ab-015cd22a6748" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss_019e07fc-4350-79d7-8683-cbfb7ec69aba" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases_019e07fc-4350-7e5b-aca6-011d56d39234" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_019e07fc-4350-718a-98ab-015cd22a6748" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases_019e07fc-4350-7e5b-aca6-011d56d39234" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSales_019e07fc-4350-7e42-a242-5da28321653f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSales"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_019e07fc-4350-718a-98ab-015cd22a6748" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSales_019e07fc-4350-7e42-a242-5da28321653f" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetIssues_019e07fc-4350-7492-8472-987fb018703f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetIssues"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_019e07fc-4350-718a-98ab-015cd22a6748" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetIssues_019e07fc-4350-7492-8472-987fb018703f" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements_019e07fc-4350-7820-bcb6-955d8074ea9d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_019e07fc-4350-718a-98ab-015cd22a6748" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements_019e07fc-4350-7820-bcb6-955d8074ea9d" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersIntoLevel3_019e07fc-4350-70bd-894b-16cca4abfbad" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersIntoLevel3"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_019e07fc-4350-718a-98ab-015cd22a6748" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersIntoLevel3_019e07fc-4350-70bd-894b-16cca4abfbad" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersOutOfLevel3_019e07fc-4350-7d25-a258-0df997021c37" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersOutOfLevel3"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_019e07fc-4350-718a-98ab-015cd22a6748" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersOutOfLevel3_019e07fc-4350-7d25-a258-0df997021c37" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue_019e07fc-4350-7eb2-949b-b181db9928b5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss_019e07fc-4350-7332-b9f4-3e35c252a737" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_019e07fc-4350-718a-98ab-015cd22a6748" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss_019e07fc-4350-7332-b9f4-3e35c252a737" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetLiabilityRecurringBasisStillHeldUnrealizedGainLossOci_019e07fc-4350-7792-948c-bf8f6f28880a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetLiabilityRecurringBasisStillHeldUnrealizedGainLossOci"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_019e07fc-4350-718a-98ab-015cd22a6748" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetLiabilityRecurringBasisStillHeldUnrealizedGainLossOci_019e07fc-4350-7792-948c-bf8f6f28880a" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward_019e07fc-4350-7d19-a002-ec47643de695" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7102-a938-7866b2d40a17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward_019e07fc-4350-7d19-a002-ec47643de695" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisWithUnobservableInputs_019e07fc-4350-7d2b-81a8-0a4912036ea6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisWithUnobservableInputs"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward_019e07fc-4350-7d19-a002-ec47643de695" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisWithUnobservableInputs_019e07fc-4350-7d2b-81a8-0a4912036ea6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationGainLossIncludedInEarnings_019e07fc-4350-79fe-9829-6c00001666b3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationGainLossIncludedInEarnings"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward_019e07fc-4350-7d19-a002-ec47643de695" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationGainLossIncludedInEarnings_019e07fc-4350-79fe-9829-6c00001666b3" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss_019e07fc-4350-7641-97b3-07f22a7280f5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward_019e07fc-4350-7d19-a002-ec47643de695" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss_019e07fc-4350-7641-97b3-07f22a7280f5" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationPurchases_019e07fc-4350-7cdc-9618-3ed632a51e1a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationPurchases"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward_019e07fc-4350-7d19-a002-ec47643de695" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationPurchases_019e07fc-4350-7cdc-9618-3ed632a51e1a" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationSales_019e07fc-4350-78ff-8ec2-22a51b9c287b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationSales"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward_019e07fc-4350-7d19-a002-ec47643de695" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationSales_019e07fc-4350-78ff-8ec2-22a51b9c287b" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationIssues_019e07fc-4350-758e-9b44-e080012d71b8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationIssues"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward_019e07fc-4350-7d19-a002-ec47643de695" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationIssues_019e07fc-4350-758e-9b44-e080012d71b8" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationSettlements_019e07fc-4350-7bc1-a5e0-072365451956" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationSettlements"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward_019e07fc-4350-7d19-a002-ec47643de695" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationSettlements_019e07fc-4350-7bc1-a5e0-072365451956" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationTransfersIntoLevel3_019e07fc-4350-786b-a17c-d9deabe13653" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationTransfersIntoLevel3"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward_019e07fc-4350-7d19-a002-ec47643de695" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationTransfersIntoLevel3_019e07fc-4350-786b-a17c-d9deabe13653" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationTransfersOutOfLevel3_019e07fc-4350-7f72-9228-7fad7dfb62b3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationTransfersOutOfLevel3"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward_019e07fc-4350-7d19-a002-ec47643de695" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationTransfersOutOfLevel3_019e07fc-4350-7f72-9228-7fad7dfb62b3" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisWithUnobservableInputs_019e07fc-4350-75ba-9c7e-481397f05c96" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisWithUnobservableInputs"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss_019e07fc-4350-72a2-87dc-4ac751f29943" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward_019e07fc-4350-7d19-a002-ec47643de695" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss_019e07fc-4350-72a2-87dc-4ac751f29943" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityRecurringBasisStillHeldUnrealizedGainLossOci_019e07fc-4350-7483-9dad-dd95af6eac9f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityRecurringBasisStillHeldUnrealizedGainLossOci"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward_019e07fc-4350-7d19-a002-ec47643de695" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityRecurringBasisStillHeldUnrealizedGainLossOci_019e07fc-4350-7483-9dad-dd95af6eac9f" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/FairValueFinancialInstrumentsCarriedatOtherThanFairValueDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#FairValueFinancialInstrumentsCarriedatOtherThanFairValueDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/FairValueFinancialInstrumentsCarriedatOtherThanFairValueDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7432-bdfa-14279fa14994" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_019e07fc-4350-7498-946a-5b5e2ad17151" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7432-bdfa-14279fa14994" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_019e07fc-4350-7498-946a-5b5e2ad17151" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_019e07fc-4350-761d-bfad-3af5584a2042" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_019e07fc-4350-7498-946a-5b5e2ad17151" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_019e07fc-4350-761d-bfad-3af5584a2042" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_019e07fc-4350-761d-bfad-3af5584a2042_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_019e07fc-4350-761d-bfad-3af5584a2042" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_019e07fc-4350-761d-bfad-3af5584a2042_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_019e07fc-4350-737b-834d-77aff1c9b21f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_019e07fc-4350-761d-bfad-3af5584a2042" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_019e07fc-4350-737b-834d-77aff1c9b21f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_019e07fc-4350-72e6-8cb0-77a3801a850a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_019e07fc-4350-737b-834d-77aff1c9b21f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_019e07fc-4350-72e6-8cb0-77a3801a850a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_019e07fc-4350-775f-a72e-ba7c1fc55588" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_019e07fc-4350-72e6-8cb0-77a3801a850a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_019e07fc-4350-775f-a72e-ba7c1fc55588" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_019e07fc-4350-745d-9df1-4620a186133f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_019e07fc-4350-72e6-8cb0-77a3801a850a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_019e07fc-4350-745d-9df1-4620a186133f" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_019e07fc-4350-7e6b-8a6d-b2d19785968c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_019e07fc-4350-7498-946a-5b5e2ad17151" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_019e07fc-4350-7e6b-8a6d-b2d19785968c" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_019e07fc-4350-7e6b-8a6d-b2d19785968c_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_019e07fc-4350-7e6b-8a6d-b2d19785968c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_019e07fc-4350-7e6b-8a6d-b2d19785968c_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_019e07fc-4350-7f14-ab17-41f042db411d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_019e07fc-4350-7e6b-8a6d-b2d19785968c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_019e07fc-4350-7f14-ab17-41f042db411d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_019e07fc-4350-76c2-a5a8-d0a8ab6c60f6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_019e07fc-4350-7f14-ab17-41f042db411d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_019e07fc-4350-76c2-a5a8-d0a8ab6c60f6" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_019e07fc-4350-7082-8ab4-ac99f6f26da8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_019e07fc-4350-7f14-ab17-41f042db411d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_019e07fc-4350-7082-8ab4-ac99f6f26da8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_019e07fc-4350-76af-8a26-42b15cf30197" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_019e07fc-4350-7f14-ab17-41f042db411d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_019e07fc-4350-76af-8a26-42b15cf30197" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_019e07fc-4350-7a85-bdbd-25a205c8554d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7432-bdfa-14279fa14994" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_019e07fc-4350-7a85-bdbd-25a205c8554d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_FairValueMortgageLoansNetNotOnRecurringBasis_019e07fc-4350-701b-a596-63fc914a656c" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_FairValueMortgageLoansNetNotOnRecurringBasis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_019e07fc-4350-7a85-bdbd-25a205c8554d" xlink:to="loc_bhf_FairValueMortgageLoansNetNotOnRecurringBasis_019e07fc-4350-701b-a596-63fc914a656c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsurancePolicy_019e07fc-4350-74aa-bd0d-922ab19fefb6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LoansInsurancePolicy"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_019e07fc-4350-7a85-bdbd-25a205c8554d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsurancePolicy_019e07fc-4350-74aa-bd0d-922ab19fefb6" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_OtherInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure_019e07fc-4350-7042-a2b8-772195c2f938" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_OtherInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_019e07fc-4350-7a85-bdbd-25a205c8554d" xlink:to="loc_bhf_OtherInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure_019e07fc-4350-7042-a2b8-772195c2f938" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReceivablesFairValueDisclosure_019e07fc-4350-7245-8ca6-281526e48b53" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivablesFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_019e07fc-4350-7a85-bdbd-25a205c8554d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReceivablesFairValueDisclosure_019e07fc-4350-7245-8ca6-281526e48b53" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_019e07fc-4350-72eb-a664-83576018eca4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7432-bdfa-14279fa14994" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_019e07fc-4350-72eb-a664-83576018eca4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_PolicyholderContractDepositsFairValueDisclosure_019e07fc-4350-7e65-9524-b593518455ec" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_PolicyholderContractDepositsFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_019e07fc-4350-72eb-a664-83576018eca4" xlink:to="loc_bhf_PolicyholderContractDepositsFairValueDisclosure_019e07fc-4350-7e65-9524-b593518455ec" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_019e07fc-4350-78e3-8609-cf6c5e0e3769" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_019e07fc-4350-72eb-a664-83576018eca4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_019e07fc-4350-78e3-8609-cf6c5e0e3769" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_019e07fc-4350-723d-ac05-00a33d1d4e17" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_019e07fc-4350-72eb-a664-83576018eca4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_019e07fc-4350-723d-ac05-00a33d1d4e17" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountsLiability_019e07fc-4350-7aa7-b866-5a83a0ff0457" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeparateAccountsLiability"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_019e07fc-4350-72eb-a664-83576018eca4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountsLiability_019e07fc-4350-7aa7-b866-5a83a0ff0457" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/EquityPreferredStockDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#EquityPreferredStockDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/EquityPreferredStockDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7178-ac04-15b872023206" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_019e07fc-4350-79fc-aa67-5f1fd9c2f2c2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7178-ac04-15b872023206" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_019e07fc-4350-79fc-aa67-5f1fd9c2f2c2" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_019e07fc-4350-7e94-ac93-d4db8e1559d7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_019e07fc-4350-79fc-aa67-5f1fd9c2f2c2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_019e07fc-4350-7e94-ac93-d4db8e1559d7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_019e07fc-4350-7e94-ac93-d4db8e1559d7_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_019e07fc-4350-7e94-ac93-d4db8e1559d7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_019e07fc-4350-7e94-ac93-d4db8e1559d7_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_019e07fc-4350-73b9-8394-37afbe0b5992" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_019e07fc-4350-7e94-ac93-d4db8e1559d7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_019e07fc-4350-73b9-8394-37afbe0b5992" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember_019e07fc-4350-7a5f-b2ad-d72e760bd3a9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_019e07fc-4350-73b9-8394-37afbe0b5992" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember_019e07fc-4350-7a5f-b2ad-d72e760bd3a9" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember_019e07fc-4350-7c74-932e-e911bd181029" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_019e07fc-4350-73b9-8394-37afbe0b5992" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember_019e07fc-4350-7c74-932e-e911bd181029" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember_019e07fc-4350-7a33-a4da-7b0e1a1aac00" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_019e07fc-4350-73b9-8394-37afbe0b5992" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember_019e07fc-4350-7a33-a4da-7b0e1a1aac00" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesDPreferredStockMember_019e07fc-4350-78f7-b05a-c08b49362ba7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesDPreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_019e07fc-4350-73b9-8394-37afbe0b5992" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesDPreferredStockMember_019e07fc-4350-78f7-b05a-c08b49362ba7" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_NotDesignatedPreferredStockMember_019e07fc-4350-7e33-a830-7b62428de813" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_NotDesignatedPreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_019e07fc-4350-73b9-8394-37afbe0b5992" xlink:to="loc_bhf_NotDesignatedPreferredStockMember_019e07fc-4350-7e33-a830-7b62428de813" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage_019e07fc-4350-7fbb-929b-1ce52ddf3aca" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7178-ac04-15b872023206" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage_019e07fc-4350-7fbb-929b-1ce52ddf3aca" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_019e07fc-4350-7658-abc2-af1f4bf48a6d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7178-ac04-15b872023206" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_019e07fc-4350-7658-abc2-af1f4bf48a6d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_019e07fc-4350-7f02-be82-4bfd43b50fde" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7178-ac04-15b872023206" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_019e07fc-4350-7f02-be82-4bfd43b50fde" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_019e07fc-4350-7ff1-b3af-3d1f92b0b0ce" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7178-ac04-15b872023206" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_019e07fc-4350-7ff1-b3af-3d1f92b0b0ce" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/EquityPreferredStockDividendsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#EquityPreferredStockDividendsDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/EquityPreferredStockDividendsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7c85-ab6b-2eacbe7af67c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_019e07fc-4350-7221-88a0-038f66a9d90d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7c85-ab6b-2eacbe7af67c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_019e07fc-4350-7221-88a0-038f66a9d90d" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_019e07fc-4350-7ba1-a25d-4f42146c833e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_019e07fc-4350-7221-88a0-038f66a9d90d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_019e07fc-4350-7ba1-a25d-4f42146c833e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_019e07fc-4350-7ba1-a25d-4f42146c833e_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_019e07fc-4350-7ba1-a25d-4f42146c833e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_019e07fc-4350-7ba1-a25d-4f42146c833e_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_019e07fc-4350-7244-9d88-3ab319c1024f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_019e07fc-4350-7ba1-a25d-4f42146c833e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_019e07fc-4350-7244-9d88-3ab319c1024f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember_019e07fc-4350-7331-b33f-c6a76522d095" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_019e07fc-4350-7244-9d88-3ab319c1024f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember_019e07fc-4350-7331-b33f-c6a76522d095" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember_019e07fc-4350-7501-8b24-373717e7be6d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_019e07fc-4350-7244-9d88-3ab319c1024f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember_019e07fc-4350-7501-8b24-373717e7be6d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember_019e07fc-4350-7d90-8df3-7c6c3b042293" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_019e07fc-4350-7244-9d88-3ab319c1024f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember_019e07fc-4350-7d90-8df3-7c6c3b042293" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesDPreferredStockMember_019e07fc-4350-7592-a1a0-ff8001fcd90e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesDPreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_019e07fc-4350-7244-9d88-3ab319c1024f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesDPreferredStockMember_019e07fc-4350-7592-a1a0-ff8001fcd90e" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_019e07fc-4350-7fb1-8905-6782d3769943" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsPerShareDeclared"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7c85-ab6b-2eacbe7af67c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_019e07fc-4350-7fb1-8905-6782d3769943" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash_019e07fc-4350-721e-904e-b4295db32cd0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7c85-ab6b-2eacbe7af67c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash_019e07fc-4350-721e-904e-b4295db32cd0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/EquityCommonStockRepurchaseProgramNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#EquityCommonStockRepurchaseProgramNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/EquityCommonStockRepurchaseProgramNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7b90-b776-419507c799af" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_019e07fc-4350-7558-9b7f-02dbb4a8e9a6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7b90-b776-419507c799af" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_019e07fc-4350-7558-9b7f-02dbb4a8e9a6" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis_019e07fc-4350-746c-b3d9-9ad457a07aa3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_019e07fc-4350-7558-9b7f-02dbb4a8e9a6" xlink:to="loc_srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis_019e07fc-4350-746c-b3d9-9ad457a07aa3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_019e07fc-4350-746c-b3d9-9ad457a07aa3_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis_019e07fc-4350-746c-b3d9-9ad457a07aa3" xlink:to="loc_srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_019e07fc-4350-746c-b3d9-9ad457a07aa3_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_019e07fc-4350-75ee-a2dd-1dfb2c02f802" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis_019e07fc-4350-746c-b3d9-9ad457a07aa3" xlink:to="loc_srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_019e07fc-4350-75ee-a2dd-1dfb2c02f802" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_AuthorizationUnder10b51PlanMember_019e07fc-4350-7988-a253-87bcbae9a40a" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_AuthorizationUnder10b51PlanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_019e07fc-4350-75ee-a2dd-1dfb2c02f802" xlink:to="loc_bhf_AuthorizationUnder10b51PlanMember_019e07fc-4350-7988-a253-87bcbae9a40a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired_019e07fc-4350-7d1a-a63a-5304f0dd5744" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7b90-b776-419507c799af" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired_019e07fc-4350-7d1a-a63a-5304f0dd5744" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod_019e07fc-4350-74e3-b084-6480933585a6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7b90-b776-419507c799af" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod_019e07fc-4350-74e3-b084-6480933585a6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1_019e07fc-4350-7664-baad-b7227073b433" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7b90-b776-419507c799af" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1_019e07fc-4350-7664-baad-b7227073b433" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/EquityComponentsofAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#EquityComponentsofAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/EquityComponentsofAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7f54-9faa-901786d17df4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_019e07fc-4350-72ed-baf4-49e9e15d0d7f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7f54-9faa-901786d17df4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_019e07fc-4350-72ed-baf4-49e9e15d0d7f" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_019e07fc-4350-7d23-abef-55dd8591bb64" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_019e07fc-4350-72ed-baf4-49e9e15d0d7f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_019e07fc-4350-7d23-abef-55dd8591bb64" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_019e07fc-4350-7d23-abef-55dd8591bb64_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_019e07fc-4350-7d23-abef-55dd8591bb64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_019e07fc-4350-7d23-abef-55dd8591bb64_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_019e07fc-4350-7303-aaea-b92be2b71282" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_019e07fc-4350-7d23-abef-55dd8591bb64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_019e07fc-4350-7303-aaea-b92be2b71282" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember_019e07fc-4350-78d4-b339-b10cb6c96e2b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_019e07fc-4350-7303-aaea-b92be2b71282" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember_019e07fc-4350-78d4-b339-b10cb6c96e2b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossNetCashFlowHedgeParentMember_019e07fc-4350-7416-afb4-68d89c2fc1f6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossNetCashFlowHedgeParentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_019e07fc-4350-7303-aaea-b92be2b71282" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossNetCashFlowHedgeParentMember_019e07fc-4350-7416-afb4-68d89c2fc1f6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AociMarketRiskBenefitInstrumentSpecificCreditRiskParentMember_019e07fc-4350-7067-a1b4-c6f4280a0704" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AociMarketRiskBenefitInstrumentSpecificCreditRiskParentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_019e07fc-4350-7303-aaea-b92be2b71282" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AociMarketRiskBenefitInstrumentSpecificCreditRiskParentMember_019e07fc-4350-7067-a1b4-c6f4280a0704" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AociLiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitParentMember_019e07fc-4350-7d68-a928-a56d5cc7c77f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AociLiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitParentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_019e07fc-4350-7303-aaea-b92be2b71282" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AociLiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitParentMember_019e07fc-4350-7d68-a928-a56d5cc7c77f" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_OtherComponentsOfAOCIMember_019e07fc-4350-75b2-a7fc-590c5e7a0f87" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_OtherComponentsOfAOCIMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_019e07fc-4350-7303-aaea-b92be2b71282" xlink:to="loc_bhf_OtherComponentsOfAOCIMember_019e07fc-4350-75b2-a7fc-590c5e7a0f87" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AociIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember_019e07fc-4350-7580-b22b-2f724185728a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AociIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_019e07fc-4350-7303-aaea-b92be2b71282" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AociIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember_019e07fc-4350-7580-b22b-2f724185728a" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_019e07fc-4350-7522-8514-85d114e91766" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7f54-9faa-901786d17df4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_019e07fc-4350-7522-8514-85d114e91766" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsBeforeTax_019e07fc-4350-729e-bda1-8d3d823b6f9e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsBeforeTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7f54-9faa-901786d17df4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsBeforeTax_019e07fc-4350-729e-bda1-8d3d823b6f9e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsTax_019e07fc-4350-77c8-8580-f6c28a024047" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7f54-9faa-901786d17df4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsTax_019e07fc-4350-77c8-8580-f6c28a024047" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax_019e07fc-4350-7932-997c-aa613d1b7a50" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7f54-9faa-901786d17df4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax_019e07fc-4350-7932-997c-aa613d1b7a50" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodBeforeTax_019e07fc-4350-7cd0-851a-8242dd835cec" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodBeforeTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7f54-9faa-901786d17df4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodBeforeTax_019e07fc-4350-7cd0-851a-8242dd835cec" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodTax_019e07fc-4350-7a4f-ab56-ae988b4c2f07" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7f54-9faa-901786d17df4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodTax_019e07fc-4350-7a4f-ab56-ae988b4c2f07" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_019e07fc-4350-7af3-8edf-f8d84ab7914d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7f54-9faa-901786d17df4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_019e07fc-4350-7af3-8edf-f8d84ab7914d" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_019e07fc-4350-73cf-b341-98389a460b7c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/EquityReclassificationsOutofAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#EquityReclassificationsOutofAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/EquityReclassificationsOutofAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_019e07fc-4350-77f0-8ee8-49eeb3b2a628" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_019e07fc-4350-74e3-8c4b-13e550a68587" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_019e07fc-4350-77f0-8ee8-49eeb3b2a628" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_019e07fc-4350-74e3-8c4b-13e550a68587" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_019e07fc-4350-7c9f-b5fd-89cc4fddab7c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_019e07fc-4350-74e3-8c4b-13e550a68587" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_019e07fc-4350-7c9f-b5fd-89cc4fddab7c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_019e07fc-4350-7c9f-b5fd-89cc4fddab7c_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_019e07fc-4350-7c9f-b5fd-89cc4fddab7c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_019e07fc-4350-7c9f-b5fd-89cc4fddab7c_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_019e07fc-4350-7208-b654-48d50009e27e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_019e07fc-4350-7c9f-b5fd-89cc4fddab7c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_019e07fc-4350-7208-b654-48d50009e27e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_019e07fc-4350-76ff-8235-b243bf8671b4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_019e07fc-4350-7208-b654-48d50009e27e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_019e07fc-4350-76ff-8235-b243bf8671b4" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_019e07fc-4350-7dbc-affd-87b6b2e1502e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_019e07fc-4350-74e3-8c4b-13e550a68587" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_019e07fc-4350-7dbc-affd-87b6b2e1502e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_019e07fc-4350-7dbc-affd-87b6b2e1502e_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_019e07fc-4350-7dbc-affd-87b6b2e1502e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_019e07fc-4350-7dbc-affd-87b6b2e1502e_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_019e07fc-4350-7618-a205-51c60a030c50" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_019e07fc-4350-7dbc-affd-87b6b2e1502e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_019e07fc-4350-7618-a205-51c60a030c50" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember_019e07fc-4350-7600-aa7d-ebe5235d403f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_019e07fc-4350-7618-a205-51c60a030c50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember_019e07fc-4350-7600-aa7d-ebe5235d403f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossNetCashFlowHedgeParentMember_019e07fc-4350-7c8c-9aca-9f7b98622d83" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossNetCashFlowHedgeParentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_019e07fc-4350-7618-a205-51c60a030c50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossNetCashFlowHedgeParentMember_019e07fc-4350-7c8c-9aca-9f7b98622d83" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_019e07fc-4350-714e-b2ff-b22c7c86b547" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_019e07fc-4350-7618-a205-51c60a030c50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_019e07fc-4350-714e-b2ff-b22c7c86b547" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_019e07fc-4350-79a1-b650-a2ecb9032b5e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_019e07fc-4350-74e3-8c4b-13e550a68587" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_019e07fc-4350-79a1-b650-a2ecb9032b5e" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-4350-79a1-b650-a2ecb9032b5e_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_019e07fc-4350-79a1-b650-a2ecb9032b5e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-4350-79a1-b650-a2ecb9032b5e_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-4350-7ffd-bec3-4de2d101d9f5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_019e07fc-4350-79a1-b650-a2ecb9032b5e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-4350-7ffd-bec3-4de2d101d9f5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_019e07fc-4350-70b9-a800-4ac4ddb0f5d7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-4350-7ffd-bec3-4de2d101d9f5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_019e07fc-4350-70b9-a800-4ac4ddb0f5d7" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember_019e07fc-4350-7053-96b6-94f8f1f10b06" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_019e07fc-4350-7ffd-bec3-4de2d101d9f5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember_019e07fc-4350-7053-96b6-94f8f1f10b06" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses_019e07fc-4350-71a5-aeb3-cde9d5a97587" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_019e07fc-4350-77f0-8ee8-49eeb3b2a628" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses_019e07fc-4350-71a5-aeb3-cde9d5a97587" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax_019e07fc-4350-7942-a373-3bcc091b49aa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_019e07fc-4350-77f0-8ee8-49eeb3b2a628" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax_019e07fc-4350-7942-a373-3bcc091b49aa" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome_019e07fc-4350-79c4-ad35-c3f7bb0522f5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_019e07fc-4350-77f0-8ee8-49eeb3b2a628" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome_019e07fc-4350-79c4-ad35-c3f7bb0522f5" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_019e07fc-4350-7241-9762-526bf610b991" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_019e07fc-4350-77f0-8ee8-49eeb3b2a628" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_019e07fc-4350-7241-9762-526bf610b991" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_019e07fc-4350-73f9-8e59-d52017b43c71" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_019e07fc-4350-77f0-8ee8-49eeb3b2a628" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_019e07fc-4350-73f9-8e59-d52017b43c71" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses_019e07fc-4350-7633-99bb-fc42dcdaf559" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_019e07fc-4350-77f0-8ee8-49eeb3b2a628" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses_019e07fc-4350-7633-99bb-fc42dcdaf559" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetOfTax_019e07fc-4350-79c7-a72e-bc78f03a3bf2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetOfTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_019e07fc-4350-77f0-8ee8-49eeb3b2a628" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetOfTax_019e07fc-4350-79c7-a72e-bc78f03a3bf2" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_019e07fc-4350-7e7f-b513-42719a9d82f9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_019e07fc-4350-77f0-8ee8-49eeb3b2a628" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_019e07fc-4350-7e7f-b513-42719a9d82f9" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/OtherRevenuesandOtherExpensesOtherRevenuesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#OtherRevenuesandOtherExpensesOtherRevenuesNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/OtherRevenuesandOtherExpensesOtherRevenuesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7077-88e2-c339c2fe4866" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_019e07fc-4350-7580-b09e-11797caad247" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7077-88e2-c339c2fe4866" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_019e07fc-4350-7580-b09e-11797caad247" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4350-7950-8c24-2f31d5e18a1a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_019e07fc-4350-7580-b09e-11797caad247" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4350-7950-8c24-2f31d5e18a1a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4350-7950-8c24-2f31d5e18a1a_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4350-7950-8c24-2f31d5e18a1a" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4350-7950-8c24-2f31d5e18a1a_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4350-7814-82da-c773440da455" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_019e07fc-4350-7950-8c24-2f31d5e18a1a" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4350-7814-82da-c773440da455" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DistributionServiceMember_019e07fc-4350-7f43-9d5d-90e686f1021f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DistributionServiceMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_019e07fc-4350-7814-82da-c773440da455" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DistributionServiceMember_019e07fc-4350-7f43-9d5d-90e686f1021f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_019e07fc-4350-7b79-8080-b5fcb4a60cd5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7077-88e2-c339c2fe4866" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_019e07fc-4350-7b79-8080-b5fcb4a60cd5" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ContingenciesCommitmentsandGuaranteesContingenciesCommitmentsandGuaranteesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#ContingenciesCommitmentsandGuaranteesContingenciesCommitmentsandGuaranteesNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ContingenciesCommitmentsandGuaranteesContingenciesCommitmentsandGuaranteesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksDisclosureInformationLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7739-b1c9-89d2c97309cc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksDisclosureInformationLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksTable_019e07fc-4350-7b2e-a295-60a3ec8d20e1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksDisclosureInformationLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7739-b1c9-89d2c97309cc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksTable_019e07fc-4350-7b2e-a295-60a3ec8d20e1" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_019e07fc-4350-70f0-97f8-a59b9dacd99f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksTable_019e07fc-4350-7b2e-a295-60a3ec8d20e1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_019e07fc-4350-70f0-97f8-a59b9dacd99f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4350-70f0-97f8-a59b9dacd99f_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_019e07fc-4350-70f0-97f8-a59b9dacd99f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4350-70f0-97f8-a59b9dacd99f_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4350-7cf7-975f-8f0a7e548a61" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_019e07fc-4350-70f0-97f8-a59b9dacd99f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4350-7cf7-975f-8f0a7e548a61" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoanOriginationCommitmentsMember_019e07fc-4350-714f-8d99-4fcbc66990f8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LoanOriginationCommitmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4350-7cf7-975f-8f0a7e548a61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoanOriginationCommitmentsMember_019e07fc-4350-714f-8d99-4fcbc66990f8" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsToExtendCreditMember_019e07fc-4350-7132-ad2c-84fda57a9477" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsToExtendCreditMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_019e07fc-4350-7cf7-975f-8f0a7e548a61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsToExtendCreditMember_019e07fc-4350-7132-ad2c-84fda57a9477" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_019e07fc-4350-76cd-ab0d-c0dae1344a8d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksTable_019e07fc-4350-7b2e-a295-60a3ec8d20e1" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_019e07fc-4350-76cd-ab0d-c0dae1344a8d" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_019e07fc-4350-76cd-ab0d-c0dae1344a8d_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_019e07fc-4350-76cd-ab0d-c0dae1344a8d" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_019e07fc-4350-76cd-ab0d-c0dae1344a8d_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_019e07fc-4350-7690-9151-18f4d32a7722" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_019e07fc-4350-76cd-ab0d-c0dae1344a8d" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_019e07fc-4350-7690-9151-18f4d32a7722" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_019e07fc-4350-76e0-8b63-38ad7469a57d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_019e07fc-4350-7690-9151-18f4d32a7722" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_019e07fc-4350-76e0-8b63-38ad7469a57d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_019e07fc-4350-724d-9751-6a87df36b5cb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_019e07fc-4350-7690-9151-18f4d32a7722" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_019e07fc-4350-724d-9751-6a87df36b5cb" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_019e07fc-4350-75cc-8182-bc2c3bbc04f7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksTable_019e07fc-4350-7b2e-a295-60a3ec8d20e1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_019e07fc-4350-75cc-8182-bc2c3bbc04f7" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_019e07fc-4350-75cc-8182-bc2c3bbc04f7_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_019e07fc-4350-75cc-8182-bc2c3bbc04f7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_019e07fc-4350-75cc-8182-bc2c3bbc04f7_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_019e07fc-4350-7309-aac2-4dc774de9dc7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_019e07fc-4350-75cc-8182-bc2c3bbc04f7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_019e07fc-4350-7309-aac2-4dc774de9dc7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_NonLitigationLossMember_019e07fc-4350-76fa-89d1-8a60573470db" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_NonLitigationLossMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_019e07fc-4350-7309-aac2-4dc774de9dc7" xlink:to="loc_bhf_NonLitigationLossMember_019e07fc-4350-76fa-89d1-8a60573470db" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_LitigationCaseAxis_019fa999-1b18-7b51-a954-814cb5142ebb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_LitigationCaseAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksTable_019e07fc-4350-7b2e-a295-60a3ec8d20e1" xlink:to="loc_srt_LitigationCaseAxis_019fa999-1b18-7b51-a954-814cb5142ebb" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_019fa999-1b18-7b51-a954-814cb5142ebb_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_LitigationCaseAxis_019fa999-1b18-7b51-a954-814cb5142ebb" xlink:to="loc_srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_019fa999-1b18-7b51-a954-814cb5142ebb_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_019fa999-1b18-708a-90ac-70063d71abab" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_LitigationCaseAxis_019fa999-1b18-7b51-a954-814cb5142ebb" xlink:to="loc_srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_019fa999-1b18-708a-90ac-70063d71abab" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_bhf_LawrenceMartinV.BrighthouseLifeInsuranceCompanyMember_019fa999-a588-7869-b7db-cce816c69d21" xlink:href="bhf-20260630.xsd#bhf_LawrenceMartinV.BrighthouseLifeInsuranceCompanyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_019fa999-1b18-708a-90ac-70063d71abab" xlink:to="loc_bhf_LawrenceMartinV.BrighthouseLifeInsuranceCompanyMember_019fa999-a588-7869-b7db-cce816c69d21" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_019fa997-5e20-71f9-b2d6-192caba65951" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksTable_019e07fc-4350-7b2e-a295-60a3ec8d20e1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_019fa997-5e20-71f9-b2d6-192caba65951" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_019fa997-5e20-71f9-b2d6-192caba65951_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_019fa997-5e20-71f9-b2d6-192caba65951" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_019fa997-5e20-71f9-b2d6-192caba65951_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_019fa997-5e20-7a6e-b228-978aa9dc4705" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_019fa997-5e20-71f9-b2d6-192caba65951" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_019fa997-5e20-7a6e-b228-978aa9dc4705" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_019fa997-7a34-7a0f-ab94-1bb48280b38a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_019fa997-5e20-7a6e-b228-978aa9dc4705" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_019fa997-7a34-7a0f-ab94-1bb48280b38a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedToOtherParty_019fa996-c0fe-7dd1-bfe0-176a12b8e90d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedToOtherParty"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksDisclosureInformationLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7739-b1c9-89d2c97309cc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedToOtherParty_019fa996-c0fe-7dd1-bfe0-176a12b8e90d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyRangeOfPossibleLossPortionNotAccrued_019e07fc-4350-786c-99bc-0a8d5b2112f7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyRangeOfPossibleLossPortionNotAccrued"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksDisclosureInformationLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7739-b1c9-89d2c97309cc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyRangeOfPossibleLossPortionNotAccrued_019e07fc-4350-786c-99bc-0a8d5b2112f7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureOffbalanceSheetRisksFaceAmountLiability_019e07fc-4350-78c2-8484-e8b74c816575" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureOffbalanceSheetRisksFaceAmountLiability"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksDisclosureInformationLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7739-b1c9-89d2c97309cc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureOffbalanceSheetRisksFaceAmountLiability_019e07fc-4350-78c2-8484-e8b74c816575" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure_019e07fc-4350-7a29-9eef-501c0471d877" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksDisclosureInformationLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7739-b1c9-89d2c97309cc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure_019e07fc-4350-7a29-9eef-501c0471d877" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsCurrentCarryingValue_019e07fc-4350-70b2-8714-b92dec2e06a0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsCurrentCarryingValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksDisclosureInformationLineItems_019e07fc-4350-7739-b1c9-89d2c97309cc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsCurrentCarryingValue_019e07fc-4350-70b2-8714-b92dec2e06a0" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
</link:linkbase>
