<?xml version="1.0" encoding="US-ASCII"?>
<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!-- -->
<link:linkbase xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/BusinessBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#BusinessBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/BusinessBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#BusinessBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/BusinessBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#BusinessBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/CondensedFinancialInformation" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#CondensedFinancialInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/CondensedFinancialInformationCondensedFinancialInformationParentCompanyCondensedBalanceSheetDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#CondensedFinancialInformationCondensedFinancialInformationParentCompanyCondensedBalanceSheetDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/CondensedFinancialInformationCondensedFinancialInformationParentCompanyCondensedBalanceSheetParentheticalDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#CondensedFinancialInformationCondensedFinancialInformationParentCompanyCondensedBalanceSheetParentheticalDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/CondensedFinancialInformationCondensedFinancialInformationParentCompanyCondensedStatementsOfCashFlowsDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#CondensedFinancialInformationCondensedFinancialInformationParentCompanyCondensedStatementsOfCashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/CondensedFinancialInformationParentCompanyCondensedStatementsOfOperationsDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#CondensedFinancialInformationParentCompanyCondensedStatementsOfOperationsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/CondensedFinancialInformationParentCompanyInvestmentInSubsidiariesFootnoteDetailNotes" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#CondensedFinancialInformationParentCompanyInvestmentInSubsidiariesFootnoteDetailNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ConsolidatedReinsurance" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#ConsolidatedReinsurance" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ConsolidatedReinsuranceConsolidatedReinsuranceDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#ConsolidatedReinsuranceConsolidatedReinsuranceDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ConsolidatedReinsuranceNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#ConsolidatedReinsuranceNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfEquity" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfEquity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ConsolidatedSummaryOfInvestmentsOtherThanInvestmentsInRelatedParties" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#ConsolidatedSummaryOfInvestmentsOtherThanInvestmentsInRelatedParties" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ConsolidatedSummaryOfInvestmentsOtherThanInvestmentsInRelatedPartiesDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#ConsolidatedSummaryOfInvestmentsOtherThanInvestmentsInRelatedPartiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ConsolidatedSupplementaryInsuranceInformation" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#ConsolidatedSupplementaryInsuranceInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ConsolidatedSupplementaryInsuranceInformationBalanceSheetItemsDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#ConsolidatedSupplementaryInsuranceInformationBalanceSheetItemsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ConsolidatedSupplementaryInsuranceInformationIncomeStatementItemsDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#ConsolidatedSupplementaryInsuranceInformationIncomeStatementItemsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ContingenciesCommitmentsAndGuarantees" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#ContingenciesCommitmentsAndGuarantees" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ContingenciesCommitmentsAndGuaranteesCommitmentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#ContingenciesCommitmentsAndGuaranteesCommitmentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ContingenciesCommitmentsAndGuaranteesGuaranteesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#ContingenciesCommitmentsAndGuaranteesGuaranteesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ContingenciesCommitmentsAndGuaranteesInsolvencyAssessmentsDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#ContingenciesCommitmentsAndGuaranteesInsolvencyAssessmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ContingenciesCommitmentsAndGuaranteesTables" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#ContingenciesCommitmentsAndGuaranteesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsValueOfBusinessAcquiredAndOtherPolicyRelatedIntangibles" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsValueOfBusinessAcquiredAndOtherPolicyRelatedIntangibles" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsValueOfBusinessAcquiredAndOtherPolicyRelatedIntangiblesDacAndVobaBySegmentDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsValueOfBusinessAcquiredAndOtherPolicyRelatedIntangiblesDacAndVobaBySegmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsValueOfBusinessAcquiredAndOtherPolicyRelatedIntangiblesDacAndVobaDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsValueOfBusinessAcquiredAndOtherPolicyRelatedIntangiblesDacAndVobaDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsValueOfBusinessAcquiredAndOtherPolicyRelatedIntangiblesDeferredSalesInducementsDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsValueOfBusinessAcquiredAndOtherPolicyRelatedIntangiblesDeferredSalesInducementsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsValueOfBusinessAcquiredAndOtherPolicyRelatedIntangiblesEstimatedFutureAmortizationDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsValueOfBusinessAcquiredAndOtherPolicyRelatedIntangiblesEstimatedFutureAmortizationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsValueOfBusinessAcquiredAndOtherPolicyRelatedIntangiblesTables" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsValueOfBusinessAcquiredAndOtherPolicyRelatedIntangiblesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsValueOfBusinessAcquiredAndOtherPolicyRelatedIntangiblesVodaAndVocraDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsValueOfBusinessAcquiredAndOtherPolicyRelatedIntangiblesVodaAndVocraDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/Derivatives" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#Derivatives" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DerivativesCashFlowHedgesDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#DerivativesCashFlowHedgesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DerivativesChangesInEstimatedFairValueRelatedToEmbeddedDerivativesDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#DerivativesChangesInEstimatedFairValueRelatedToEmbeddedDerivativesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DerivativesCreditDerivativesDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#DerivativesCreditDerivativesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DerivativesCreditRiskOnFreestandingDerivativesDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#DerivativesCreditRiskOnFreestandingDerivativesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DerivativesDerivativesNqCfFvDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#DerivativesDerivativesNqCfFvDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DerivativesEarnedIncomeOnDerivativesDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#DerivativesEarnedIncomeOnDerivativesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DerivativesEmbeddedDerivativesDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#DerivativesEmbeddedDerivativesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DerivativesEstimatedFairValueOfDerivativesAssetsAndLiabilitiesAfterMasterNettingAgreementsAndCashDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#DerivativesEstimatedFairValueOfDerivativesAssetsAndLiabilitiesAfterMasterNettingAgreementsAndCashDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DerivativesFairValueHedgesDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#DerivativesFairValueHedgesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DerivativesGainsLossesRecognizedInIncomeNotDesignatedOrQualifyingDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#DerivativesGainsLossesRecognizedInIncomeNotDesignatedOrQualifyingDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DerivativesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#DerivativesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DerivativesNetDerivativeGainsLossesDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#DerivativesNetDerivativeGainsLossesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DerivativesPrimaryRisksDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#DerivativesPrimaryRisksDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DerivativesTables" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#DerivativesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/Equity" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#Equity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/EquityCapitalContributionsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#EquityCapitalContributionsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/EquityComponentsOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#EquityComponentsOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/EquityReclassificationsOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#EquityReclassificationsOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/EquityStatutoryEquityIncomeAndDividendRestrictionsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#EquityStatutoryEquityIncomeAndDividendRestrictionsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/EquityStatutoryIncomeDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#EquityStatutoryIncomeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/EquityTables" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#EquityTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/FairValue" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#FairValue" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/FairValueFairValueOptionForCertainAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#FairValueFairValueOptionForCertainAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/FairValueFinancialInstrumentsCarriedAtOtherThanFairValueDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#FairValueFinancialInstrumentsCarriedAtOtherThanFairValueDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/FairValueQuantitativeInformationDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#FairValueQuantitativeInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/FairValueRecurringFairValueMeasurementsDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#FairValueRecurringFairValueMeasurementsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/FairValueRecurringFairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#FairValueRecurringFairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/FairValueTables" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#FairValueTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/FairValueUnobservableInputReconciliationDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#FairValueUnobservableInputReconciliationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/IncomeTax" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#IncomeTax" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/IncomeTaxInterestAccruedRelatedToUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#IncomeTaxInterestAccruedRelatedToUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/IncomeTaxNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#IncomeTaxNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/IncomeTaxNetDeferredIncomeTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#IncomeTaxNetDeferredIncomeTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/IncomeTaxProvisionForIncomeTaxFromContinuingOperationsDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#IncomeTaxProvisionForIncomeTaxFromContinuingOperationsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/IncomeTaxReconciliationOfIncomeTaxProvisionBetweenUsStatutoryRateAndAsReportedForContinuingOperationsDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#IncomeTaxReconciliationOfIncomeTaxProvisionBetweenUsStatutoryRateAndAsReportedForContinuingOperationsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/IncomeTaxReconciliationOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#IncomeTaxReconciliationOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/IncomeTaxTables" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#IncomeTaxTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/IncomeTaxTaxCreditCarryforwardsDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#IncomeTaxTaxCreditCarryforwardsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/Insurance" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#Insurance" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InsuranceFundGroupingsDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InsuranceFundGroupingsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InsuranceGuaranteesRelatedToAnnuityContractsDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InsuranceGuaranteesRelatedToAnnuityContractsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InsuranceGuaranteesRelatedToUniversalAndVariableLifeContractsDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InsuranceGuaranteesRelatedToUniversalAndVariableLifeContractsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InsuranceInsuranceLiabilitiesAssumptionsAndRatiosNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InsuranceInsuranceLiabilitiesAssumptionsAndRatiosNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InsuranceInsuranceLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InsuranceInsuranceLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InsuranceLiabilitiesForGuaranteesDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InsuranceLiabilitiesForGuaranteesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InsuranceObligationsUnderFundingAgreementsLiabilityAndCollateralDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InsuranceObligationsUnderFundingAgreementsLiabilityAndCollateralDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InsuranceObligationsUnderFundingAgreementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InsuranceObligationsUnderFundingAgreementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InsuranceTables" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InsuranceTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/Investments" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#Investments" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsActivityForAccretableYieldOnPciInvestmentsDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InvestmentsActivityForAccretableYieldOnPciInvestmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsCashEquivalentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InvestmentsCashEquivalentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsChangesInNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainsLossesDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InvestmentsChangesInNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainsLossesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsCollectivelySignificantEquityMethodInvestmentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InvestmentsCollectivelySignificantEquityMethodInvestmentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsComponentsOfNetInvestmentGainsLossesDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InvestmentsComponentsOfNetInvestmentGainsLossesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsConcentrationsOfCreditRiskNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InvestmentsConcentrationsOfCreditRiskNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsConsolidatedVariableInterestEntitiesDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InvestmentsConsolidatedVariableInterestEntitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsConsolidatedVariableInterestEntitiesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InvestmentsConsolidatedVariableInterestEntitiesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsContinuousGrossUnrealizedLossesForFixedMaturityAndEquitySecuritiesAvailableForSaleDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InvestmentsContinuousGrossUnrealizedLossesForFixedMaturityAndEquitySecuritiesAvailableForSaleDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsCreditLossRollforwardDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InvestmentsCreditLossRollforwardDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsCreditQualityOfAgriculturalAndResidentialMortgageLoansDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InvestmentsCreditQualityOfAgriculturalAndResidentialMortgageLoansDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsCreditQualityOfCommercialMortgageLoansDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InvestmentsCreditQualityOfCommercialMortgageLoansDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsEvaluationOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesForOttiAndEvaluatingTemporarilyImpairedAfsSecuritiesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InvestmentsEvaluationOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesForOttiAndEvaluatingTemporarilyImpairedAfsSecuritiesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsFixedMaturityAndEquitySecuritiesAvailableForSaleBySectorDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InvestmentsFixedMaturityAndEquitySecuritiesAvailableForSaleBySectorDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsFixedMaturityAndEquitySecuritiesAvailableForSaleNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InvestmentsFixedMaturityAndEquitySecuritiesAvailableForSaleNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsInvestedAssetsOnDepositHeldInTrustAndPledgedAsCollateralDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InvestmentsInvestedAssetsOnDepositHeldInTrustAndPledgedAsCollateralDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsInvestedAssetsOnDepositHeldInTrustAndPledgedAsCollateralNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InvestmentsInvestedAssetsOnDepositHeldInTrustAndPledgedAsCollateralNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsInvestmentInLeverageLeasesDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InvestmentsInvestmentInLeverageLeasesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsInvestmentsOtherInvestedAssetsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InvestmentsInvestmentsOtherInvestedAssetsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsLeverageLeasesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InvestmentsLeverageLeasesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsMaturitiesOfFixedMaturitySecuritiesDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InvestmentsMaturitiesOfFixedMaturitySecuritiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsMortgageLoansByPortfolioSegmentDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InvestmentsMortgageLoansByPortfolioSegmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsMortgageLoansNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InvestmentsMortgageLoansNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsNetInvestmentIncomeDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InvestmentsNetInvestmentIncomeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainsLossesDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InvestmentsNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainsLossesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsPciInvestmentsAcquiredDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InvestmentsPciInvestmentsAcquiredDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsPciInvestmentsByInvestedAssetClassDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InvestmentsPciInvestmentsByInvestedAssetClassDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsRelatedPartyInvestmentTransactionsDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InvestmentsRelatedPartyInvestmentTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsRelatedPartyInvestmentTransactionsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InvestmentsRelatedPartyInvestmentTransactionsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsSalesOrDisposalsAndImpairmentsOfFixedMaturityAndEquitySecuritiesDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InvestmentsSalesOrDisposalsAndImpairmentsOfFixedMaturityAndEquitySecuritiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsSecuritiesLendingDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InvestmentsSecuritiesLendingDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsSecuritiesLendingRemainingTenorDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InvestmentsSecuritiesLendingRemainingTenorDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsSecuritiesLendingRemainingTenorNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InvestmentsSecuritiesLendingRemainingTenorNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsTables" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InvestmentsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsUnconsolidatedVariableInterestEntitiesDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InvestmentsUnconsolidatedVariableInterestEntitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsUnconsolidatedVariableInterestEntitiesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#InvestmentsUnconsolidatedVariableInterestEntitiesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/LongTermDebt" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#LongTermDebt" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/LongTermDebtDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#LongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/LongTermDebtNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#LongTermDebtNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/LongTermDebtTables" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#LongTermDebtTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/OrganizationalChanges" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#OrganizationalChanges" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/OrganizationalChangesDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#OrganizationalChangesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/OtherExpenses" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#OtherExpenses" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/OtherExpensesOtherExpensesDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#OtherExpensesOtherExpensesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/OtherExpensesTables" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#OtherExpensesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/Reinsurance" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#Reinsurance" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ReinsuranceEffectsOfAffiliatedReinsuranceOnBalanceSheetsDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#ReinsuranceEffectsOfAffiliatedReinsuranceOnBalanceSheetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ReinsuranceEffectsOfAffiliatedReinsuranceOnStatementsOfOperationsDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#ReinsuranceEffectsOfAffiliatedReinsuranceOnStatementsOfOperationsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ReinsuranceEffectsOfReinsuranceOnBalanceSheetDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#ReinsuranceEffectsOfReinsuranceOnBalanceSheetDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ReinsuranceEffectsOfReinsuranceOnEarningsDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#ReinsuranceEffectsOfReinsuranceOnEarningsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ReinsuranceNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#ReinsuranceNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ReinsuranceRelatedPartyNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#ReinsuranceRelatedPartyNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ReinsuranceTables" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#ReinsuranceTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionRelatedPartyTransactionNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactionRelatedPartyTransactionNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsRelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactionsRelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsTables" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactionsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/SegmentInformation" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#SegmentInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/SegmentInformationAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#SegmentInformationAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/SegmentInformationNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#SegmentInformationNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/SegmentInformationOperatingResultsDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#SegmentInformationOperatingResultsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/SegmentInformationPremiumsUniversalLifeAndInvestmentTypePolicyFeesAndOtherRevenuesByMajorProductGroupsDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#SegmentInformationPremiumsUniversalLifeAndInvestmentTypePolicyFeesAndOtherRevenuesByMajorProductGroupsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/SegmentInformationSegmentInformationReconciliationOfOperatingRevenuesToTotalRevenuesDetails" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#SegmentInformationSegmentInformationReconciliationOfOperatingRevenuesToTotalRevenuesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/SegmentInformationTables" xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#SegmentInformationTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/BusinessBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/BusinessBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_93B69C127E9E1482BB454001C9D69B37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_C5612D978E5A0C767BD64001C9D6D676" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_93B69C127E9E1482BB454001C9D69B37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_C5612D978E5A0C767BD64001C9D6D676" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_3793B813A0E816C820124001C9D62501" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_C5612D978E5A0C767BD64001C9D6D676" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_3793B813A0E816C820124001C9D62501" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_013C1BDB502CA1052CCE4001C9D60A3C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_3793B813A0E816C820124001C9D62501" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_013C1BDB502CA1052CCE4001C9D60A3C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_013C1BDB502CA1052CCE4001C9D60A3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_3793B813A0E816C820124001C9D62501" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_013C1BDB502CA1052CCE4001C9D60A3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201601Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201601Member_AF08C76CD28F84D12A094001C9D6224B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_013C1BDB502CA1052CCE4001C9D60A3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201601Member_AF08C76CD28F84D12A094001C9D6224B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_CMEupdateimpactMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_CMEupdateimpactMember_BC2B00CBF04F68239BEB4001C9D6A3A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_013C1BDB502CA1052CCE4001C9D60A3C" xlink:to="loc_bhl_CMEupdateimpactMember_BC2B00CBF04F68239BEB4001C9D6A3A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPrincipleEarlyAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPrincipleEarlyAdoptionMember_F9B1D3A153A3C5F171FA4001C9D6AC03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_013C1BDB502CA1052CCE4001C9D60A3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPrincipleEarlyAdoptionMember_F9B1D3A153A3C5F171FA4001C9D6AC03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_4A0B1544B7085F93719F4001C9D6D869" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_C5612D978E5A0C767BD64001C9D6D676" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_4A0B1544B7085F93719F4001C9D6D869" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_61633DD7F12606154EAF4001C9D632FD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_4A0B1544B7085F93719F4001C9D6D869" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_61633DD7F12606154EAF4001C9D632FD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_61633DD7F12606154EAF4001C9D632FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_4A0B1544B7085F93719F4001C9D6D869" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_61633DD7F12606154EAF4001C9D632FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_D1D23E491ADBA648A4C04001C9D6633E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_61633DD7F12606154EAF4001C9D632FD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_D1D23E491ADBA648A4C04001C9D6633E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleCumulativeEffectOfChangeOnEquityOrNetAssets1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleCumulativeEffectOfChangeOnEquityOrNetAssets1_D933685363D838A313A44001C9D67760" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_93B69C127E9E1482BB454001C9D69B37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleCumulativeEffectOfChangeOnEquityOrNetAssets1_D933685363D838A313A44001C9D67760" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_605A24D9CCBB0FAAB5A24001C9D6980F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_93B69C127E9E1482BB454001C9D69B37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_605A24D9CCBB0FAAB5A24001C9D6980F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_C2FEE26F6E929CE132614001C9D672C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_93B69C127E9E1482BB454001C9D69B37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_C2FEE26F6E929CE132614001C9D672C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable_C9E3B23C950FE7B3BB364001C9D6D2B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_93B69C127E9E1482BB454001C9D69B37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable_C9E3B23C950FE7B3BB364001C9D6D2B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNet_DADCAC24BF4B91C128C04001C9D68F65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_93B69C127E9E1482BB454001C9D69B37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNet_DADCAC24BF4B91C128C04001C9D68F65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_PayablesForCollateralUnderSecuritiesLoanedAndOtherTransactions" xlink:label="loc_bhl_PayablesForCollateralUnderSecuritiesLoanedAndOtherTransactions_808334EA03E90ACDAAB14001C9D62B5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_93B69C127E9E1482BB454001C9D69B37" xlink:to="loc_bhl_PayablesForCollateralUnderSecuritiesLoanedAndOtherTransactions_808334EA03E90ACDAAB14001C9D62B5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_F3BDAC7D8C16236B530C4001C9D685AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_15E56C089ABA469172604001C9D63282" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_F3BDAC7D8C16236B530C4001C9D685AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_15E56C089ABA469172604001C9D63282" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_7EBD94877720C6BC05B74001C9D608F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_15E56C089ABA469172604001C9D63282" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_7EBD94877720C6BC05B74001C9D608F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_BD6A053C04EB555792A94001C9D601D1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_7EBD94877720C6BC05B74001C9D608F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_BD6A053C04EB555792A94001C9D601D1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_BD6A053C04EB555792A94001C9D601D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_7EBD94877720C6BC05B74001C9D608F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_BD6A053C04EB555792A94001C9D601D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SpinoffMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SpinoffMember_02DC1E70EDCB706C47254001C9D6BE1C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_BD6A053C04EB555792A94001C9D601D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SpinoffMember_02DC1E70EDCB706C47254001C9D6BE1C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_05297D4BF4B011ECD0754001C9D6D398" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_15E56C089ABA469172604001C9D63282" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_05297D4BF4B011ECD0754001C9D6D398" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_2CB9734D82330DE0D7784001C9D61E5F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_05297D4BF4B011ECD0754001C9D6D398" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_2CB9734D82330DE0D7784001C9D61E5F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_2CB9734D82330DE0D7784001C9D61E5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_05297D4BF4B011ECD0754001C9D6D398" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_2CB9734D82330DE0D7784001C9D61E5F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_71AF624A261D942DC3C54001C9D604FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_2CB9734D82330DE0D7784001C9D61E5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_71AF624A261D942DC3C54001C9D604FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_9B594FBC827617B528964001C9D60F1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_2CB9734D82330DE0D7784001C9D61E5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_9B594FBC827617B528964001C9D60F1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_C5216C06DB4D86044DE04001C9D6570D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_15E56C089ABA469172604001C9D63282" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_C5216C06DB4D86044DE04001C9D6570D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8726CFFFCFEC091306D44001C9D6D022_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_C5216C06DB4D86044DE04001C9D6570D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8726CFFFCFEC091306D44001C9D6D022_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8726CFFFCFEC091306D44001C9D6D022" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_C5216C06DB4D86044DE04001C9D6570D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8726CFFFCFEC091306D44001C9D6D022" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_ParentshareholderspercentageMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_ParentshareholderspercentageMember_8F29F6FDF668C47FEC654001C9D62CE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8726CFFFCFEC091306D44001C9D6D022" xlink:to="loc_bhl_ParentshareholderspercentageMember_8F29F6FDF668C47FEC654001C9D62CE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_4A2EF191F79665937EEA4001C9D697B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_F3BDAC7D8C16236B530C4001C9D685AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_4A2EF191F79665937EEA4001C9D697B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_CommonStockDistributionbyParent" xlink:label="loc_bhl_CommonStockDistributionbyParent_77A7F347AFC13E2202694001C9D6A748" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_F3BDAC7D8C16236B530C4001C9D685AE" xlink:to="loc_bhl_CommonStockDistributionbyParent_77A7F347AFC13E2202694001C9D6A748" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_RealEstateHeldforinvestmentAndAccumulatedDepreciationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_bhl_RealEstateHeldforinvestmentAndAccumulatedDepreciationLineItems_7A7F1258E0C160CD24144001C9E646FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_RealEstateHeldforinvestmentAndAccumulatedDepreciationTable" xlink:label="loc_bhl_RealEstateHeldforinvestmentAndAccumulatedDepreciationTable_A6791B3C87FB2FBFD20E4001C9D6C367" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_bhl_RealEstateHeldforinvestmentAndAccumulatedDepreciationLineItems_7A7F1258E0C160CD24144001C9E646FC" xlink:to="loc_bhl_RealEstateHeldforinvestmentAndAccumulatedDepreciationTable_A6791B3C87FB2FBFD20E4001C9D6C367" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_34CFA1A629F923E1D84D4001C9D6D705" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_bhl_RealEstateHeldforinvestmentAndAccumulatedDepreciationTable_A6791B3C87FB2FBFD20E4001C9D6C367" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_34CFA1A629F923E1D84D4001C9D6D705" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_C4AFEEA7DF9CA78EED324001C9E6EF84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_4F969369DD48452AAEA24001C9E6536E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_C4AFEEA7DF9CA78EED324001C9E6EF84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_4F969369DD48452AAEA24001C9E6536E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_E44D6696540ADE1849254001C9E68333" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_4F969369DD48452AAEA24001C9E6536E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_E44D6696540ADE1849254001C9E68333" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_64062ECCF3C16757F9664001C9E66208_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_E44D6696540ADE1849254001C9E68333" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_64062ECCF3C16757F9664001C9E66208_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_64062ECCF3C16757F9664001C9E66208" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_E44D6696540ADE1849254001C9E68333" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_64062ECCF3C16757F9664001C9E66208" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DistributionRightsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DistributionRightsMember_C231DC41B94A4B0C77F8401171FD242B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_64062ECCF3C16757F9664001C9E66208" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DistributionRightsMember_C231DC41B94A4B0C77F8401171FD242B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_9D494BBDA4C11EEA30E04001C9E66603" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_4F969369DD48452AAEA24001C9E6536E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_9D494BBDA4C11EEA30E04001C9E66603" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_6E34F11BA4092096F39C4001C9E6E66F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_C4AFEEA7DF9CA78EED324001C9E6EF84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_6E34F11BA4092096F39C4001C9E6E66F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/BusinessBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/CondensedFinancialInformation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/CondensedFinancialInformationCondensedFinancialInformationParentCompanyCondensedBalanceSheetDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_093EC173AC206AD7BFE648A2EC162A0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_04F29BD0A1A7A9DC1D5948A2EC16CB7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_093EC173AC206AD7BFE648A2EC162A0E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_04F29BD0A1A7A9DC1D5948A2EC16CB7A" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_5A6DB06C42CBC225B55C48A2EC161724" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_04F29BD0A1A7A9DC1D5948A2EC16CB7A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_5A6DB06C42CBC225B55C48A2EC161724" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_6BDD98A3EB297FFD3BAD48A2EC166E09_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_5A6DB06C42CBC225B55C48A2EC161724" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_6BDD98A3EB297FFD3BAD48A2EC166E09_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_6BDD98A3EB297FFD3BAD48A2EC166E09" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_5A6DB06C42CBC225B55C48A2EC161724" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_6BDD98A3EB297FFD3BAD48A2EC166E09" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_DAF3E74E8B8571A4DDFF48A2EC162662" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_6BDD98A3EB297FFD3BAD48A2EC166E09" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_DAF3E74E8B8571A4DDFF48A2EC162662" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A479090885A27D82CD8C48A2EC16FFD6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_093EC173AC206AD7BFE648A2EC162A0E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A479090885A27D82CD8C48A2EC16FFD6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_615DD42B709F88A5EBB648A2EC160E64" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A479090885A27D82CD8C48A2EC16FFD6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_615DD42B709F88A5EBB648A2EC160E64" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_EB837DE8E7A5144EA37948A2EC163EA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_615DD42B709F88A5EBB648A2EC160E64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_EB837DE8E7A5144EA37948A2EC163EA5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecurities_1AE39A8B2AC60A4D785848A2EC167843" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_615DD42B709F88A5EBB648A2EC160E64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecurities_1AE39A8B2AC60A4D785848A2EC167843" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstate_8B3FADCE0A3C40B7DFF848A2EC16BB8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_615DD42B709F88A5EBB648A2EC160E64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstate_8B3FADCE0A3C40B7DFF848A2EC16BB8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansInsurancePolicy" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsurancePolicy_6FA46B0588ED248EFA4848A2EC16BFDC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_615DD42B709F88A5EBB648A2EC160E64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsurancePolicy_6FA46B0588ED248EFA4848A2EC16BFDC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestments_8ADA7679462E09755D7148A2EC16E4DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_615DD42B709F88A5EBB648A2EC160E64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestments_8ADA7679462E09755D7148A2EC16E4DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_OtherLimitedPartnershipInterests" xlink:label="loc_bhl_OtherLimitedPartnershipInterests_5D8BD8A9AA2D07D274E748A2EC1649D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_615DD42B709F88A5EBB648A2EC160E64" xlink:to="loc_bhl_OtherLimitedPartnershipInterests_5D8BD8A9AA2D07D274E748A2EC1649D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments_27898D66E8EA0B3AE73F48A2EC16A086" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_615DD42B709F88A5EBB648A2EC160E64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments_27898D66E8EA0B3AE73F48A2EC16A086" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsInAndAdvancesToAffiliatesAtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAndAdvancesToAffiliatesAtFairValue_AC8CEFA853F0FAF56B7E48A2EC16CEE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_615DD42B709F88A5EBB648A2EC160E64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAndAdvancesToAffiliatesAtFairValue_AC8CEFA853F0FAF56B7E48A2EC16CEE0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherInvestments_503B603F7BC38AE0D13048A2EC16D44F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_615DD42B709F88A5EBB648A2EC160E64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherInvestments_503B603F7BC38AE0D13048A2EC16D44F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Investments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Investments_4743DFFF216CD44058DC48A2EC16433F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_615DD42B709F88A5EBB648A2EC160E64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Investments_4743DFFF216CD44058DC48A2EC16433F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_5F6B5493BC1C2B3DAD7548A2EC16E22E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A479090885A27D82CD8C48A2EC16FFD6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_5F6B5493BC1C2B3DAD7548A2EC16E22E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable_D1A246B5D7C165D4FD7748A2EC16E51C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A479090885A27D82CD8C48A2EC16FFD6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable_D1A246B5D7C165D4FD7748A2EC16E51C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNet_FC6BDA3B906AA7C1FEC848A2EC164B68" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A479090885A27D82CD8C48A2EC16FFD6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNet_FC6BDA3B906AA7C1FEC848A2EC164B68" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueFromAffiliates" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueFromAffiliates_1B964CF89023C22307B148A2EC162EDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A479090885A27D82CD8C48A2EC16FFD6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueFromAffiliates_1B964CF89023C22307B148A2EC162EDF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndValueOfBusinessAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndValueOfBusinessAcquired_2C0788D794C1084B7B4048A2EC16ABE9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A479090885A27D82CD8C48A2EC16FFD6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndValueOfBusinessAcquired_2C0788D794C1084B7B4048A2EC16ABE9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReceivable_9BBAE9581502E7BA862B48A2EC16703C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A479090885A27D82CD8C48A2EC16FFD6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReceivable_9BBAE9581502E7BA862B48A2EC16703C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetNoncurrent_A6DA0E7E33B668851B1048A2EC168D73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A479090885A27D82CD8C48A2EC16FFD6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetNoncurrent_A6DA0E7E33B668851B1048A2EC168D73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_F192ACF6566DF083435348A2EC16F816" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A479090885A27D82CD8C48A2EC16FFD6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_F192ACF6566DF083435348A2EC16F816" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssets_3D02BCBD568D3919BBE548A2EC160E91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A479090885A27D82CD8C48A2EC16FFD6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssets_3D02BCBD568D3919BBE548A2EC160E91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_935265AB1B120D0E632748A2EC161315" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_A479090885A27D82CD8C48A2EC16FFD6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_935265AB1B120D0E632748A2EC161315" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_DA5617BA6DCEFC23544348A2EC167475" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_093EC173AC206AD7BFE648A2EC162A0E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_DA5617BA6DCEFC23544348A2EC167475" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_C7CEA629ABD2B0FB304948A2EC167AF0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_DA5617BA6DCEFC23544348A2EC167475" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_C7CEA629ABD2B0FB304948A2EC167AF0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefits_DDE90767E26AA83B293248A2EC16875F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_C7CEA629ABD2B0FB304948A2EC167AF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefits_DDE90767E26AA83B293248A2EC16875F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderContractDeposits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderContractDeposits_37832723891FA4594D8548A2EC169487" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_C7CEA629ABD2B0FB304948A2EC167AF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderContractDeposits_37832723891FA4594D8548A2EC169487" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPolicyholderFunds" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPolicyholderFunds_14DD24801567678C423248A2EC16693D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_C7CEA629ABD2B0FB304948A2EC167AF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPolicyholderFunds_14DD24801567678C423248A2EC16693D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_PayablesForCollateralUnderSecuritiesLoanedAndOtherTransactions" xlink:label="loc_bhl_PayablesForCollateralUnderSecuritiesLoanedAndOtherTransactions_3035E40A51562EBF576948A2EC16381F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_C7CEA629ABD2B0FB304948A2EC167AF0" xlink:to="loc_bhl_PayablesForCollateralUnderSecuritiesLoanedAndOtherTransactions_3035E40A51562EBF576948A2EC16381F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_B5B89794D6880000E4AA48A2EC16F1B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_C7CEA629ABD2B0FB304948A2EC167AF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_B5B89794D6880000E4AA48A2EC16F1B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilities_4D87ED62F96E2C6DECBC48A2EC160FC9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_C7CEA629ABD2B0FB304948A2EC167AF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilities_4D87ED62F96E2C6DECBC48A2EC160FC9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_785AB5715F303D0C6CEC48A2EC1630C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_C7CEA629ABD2B0FB304948A2EC167AF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_785AB5715F303D0C6CEC48A2EC1630C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeparateAccountsLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountsLiability_FB3806F9D09A5D4A476348A2EC16AED8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_C7CEA629ABD2B0FB304948A2EC167AF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountsLiability_FB3806F9D09A5D4A476348A2EC16AED8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_94116FBAF29D81CA5D7248A2EC16F68E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_C7CEA629ABD2B0FB304948A2EC167AF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_94116FBAF29D81CA5D7248A2EC16F68E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_5377C5A7C56CCC3BCCA748A2EC1692F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_DA5617BA6DCEFC23544348A2EC167475" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_5377C5A7C56CCC3BCCA748A2EC1692F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_5E0758FD5BCF19F4A4B348A2EC163AC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_5377C5A7C56CCC3BCCA748A2EC1692F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_5E0758FD5BCF19F4A4B348A2EC163AC3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_9738E0D13D38F5B53D1F48A2EC16505C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_5377C5A7C56CCC3BCCA748A2EC1692F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_9738E0D13D38F5B53D1F48A2EC16505C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_DA4FF49C2A57CE1E385648A2EC162E46" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_5377C5A7C56CCC3BCCA748A2EC1692F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_DA4FF49C2A57CE1E385648A2EC162E46" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_DF3069198B2B6BA4CF4B48A2EC164AB7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_5377C5A7C56CCC3BCCA748A2EC1692F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_DF3069198B2B6BA4CF4B48A2EC164AB7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_CA76D6CC013620E9070F48A2EC169020" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_5377C5A7C56CCC3BCCA748A2EC1692F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_CA76D6CC013620E9070F48A2EC169020" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_3AFBDB053F90871787A448A2EC16D128" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_DA5617BA6DCEFC23544348A2EC167475" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_3AFBDB053F90871787A448A2EC16D128" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/CondensedFinancialInformationCondensedFinancialInformationParentCompanyCondensedBalanceSheetParentheticalDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_30B6908AE7F6C8945BDB3572815C4CC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_37E04D11CE9BD7E522683572815C8C01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_30B6908AE7F6C8945BDB3572815C4CC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_37E04D11CE9BD7E522683572815C8C01" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_3F2A910EA7A7244574483572815C1AB5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_37E04D11CE9BD7E522683572815C8C01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_3F2A910EA7A7244574483572815C1AB5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_78FDDD0CC293F43A10453572815CAACA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_3F2A910EA7A7244574483572815C1AB5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_78FDDD0CC293F43A10453572815CAACA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_78FDDD0CC293F43A10453572815CAACA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_3F2A910EA7A7244574483572815C1AB5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_78FDDD0CC293F43A10453572815CAACA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_5D7163FCBD8330D2F73F3572815CEF27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_78FDDD0CC293F43A10453572815CAACA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_5D7163FCBD8330D2F73F3572815CEF27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_449BB01E96E4B6DF17583572815CB568" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_30B6908AE7F6C8945BDB3572815C4CC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_449BB01E96E4B6DF17583572815CB568" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleEquitySecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleEquitySecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_11378D26EC9626A9E31F3572815CC1F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_30B6908AE7F6C8945BDB3572815C4CC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleEquitySecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_11378D26EC9626A9E31F3572815CC1F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstate_B5B39BE6F519AD19BD803572815C1FBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_30B6908AE7F6C8945BDB3572815C4CC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstate_B5B39BE6F519AD19BD803572815C1FBF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_E1D41550C69A97C004183572815CDE6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_30B6908AE7F6C8945BDB3572815C4CC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_E1D41550C69A97C004183572815CDE6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_1F7B9ACF9824AAE6693F3572815CB15B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_30B6908AE7F6C8945BDB3572815C4CC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_1F7B9ACF9824AAE6693F3572815CB15B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_849C2437D731974E9C533572815C7022" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_30B6908AE7F6C8945BDB3572815C4CC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_849C2437D731974E9C533572815C7022" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_9A504FA5DA648B3BBFAC3572815CF64D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_30B6908AE7F6C8945BDB3572815C4CC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_9A504FA5DA648B3BBFAC3572815CF64D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/CondensedFinancialInformationCondensedFinancialInformationParentCompanyCondensedStatementsOfCashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_312AA4B744F7C7AC32DA401A08280179" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_2104C3D75DA45A9CA501401A0828F50D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_312AA4B744F7C7AC32DA401A08280179" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_2104C3D75DA45A9CA501401A0828F50D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_AFE0A019759C6EA4A8C3401A0828AA60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_2104C3D75DA45A9CA501401A0828F50D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_AFE0A019759C6EA4A8C3401A0828AA60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_B8204F53C751AB23E54D401A08281193_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_AFE0A019759C6EA4A8C3401A0828AA60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_B8204F53C751AB23E54D401A08281193_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_B8204F53C751AB23E54D401A08281193" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_AFE0A019759C6EA4A8C3401A0828AA60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_B8204F53C751AB23E54D401A08281193" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_3CB84A92DFF132BC0E61401A082831A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_B8204F53C751AB23E54D401A08281193" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_3CB84A92DFF132BC0E61401A082831A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_BA1175C34DF4C421EF1A401A0828D014" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_312AA4B744F7C7AC32DA401A08280179" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_BA1175C34DF4C421EF1A401A0828D014" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_C656E90B251237588D34401A0837478F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_BA1175C34DF4C421EF1A401A0828D014" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_C656E90B251237588D34401A0837478F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_333453A502B9F989B6B1401A08375E03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_BA1175C34DF4C421EF1A401A0828D014" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_333453A502B9F989B6B1401A08375E03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfAvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_EA391D9DFD6AEAAA66EA401A0837752F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_333453A502B9F989B6B1401A08375E03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_EA391D9DFD6AEAAA66EA401A0837752F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquity_013E32889ADE8411312C401A0837B664" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_333453A502B9F989B6B1401A08375E03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquity_013E32889ADE8411312C401A0837B664" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndCollectionOfMortgageNotesReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndCollectionOfMortgageNotesReceivable_952070ECC214D83B9DD9401A0837030B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_333453A502B9F989B6B1401A08375E03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndCollectionOfMortgageNotesReceivable_952070ECC214D83B9DD9401A0837030B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromRealEstateAndRealEstateJointVentures" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRealEstateAndRealEstateJointVentures_CC950FEE68B1477EB5DC401A0837F277" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_333453A502B9F989B6B1401A08375E03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRealEstateAndRealEstateJointVentures_CC950FEE68B1477EB5DC401A0837F277" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromLimitedPartnershipInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLimitedPartnershipInvestments_8FC61F93A5E124782B57401A08372181" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_333453A502B9F989B6B1401A08375E03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLimitedPartnershipInvestments_8FC61F93A5E124782B57401A08372181" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt_E03B0B81CEAC5916F392401A0837F329" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_333453A502B9F989B6B1401A08375E03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt_E03B0B81CEAC5916F392401A0837F329" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquity_3DA0E1169677129D4B7C401A08371A99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_333453A502B9F989B6B1401A08375E03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquity_3DA0E1169677129D4B7C401A08371A99" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireMortgageNotesReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireMortgageNotesReceivable_DE6DCA3E4D3DE54E0563401A08372F4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_333453A502B9F989B6B1401A08375E03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireMortgageNotesReceivable_DE6DCA3E4D3DE54E0563401A08372F4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireRealEstateAndRealEstateJointVentures" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireRealEstateAndRealEstateJointVentures_79A76A9C6E3D3A1E0A19401A0837B848" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_333453A502B9F989B6B1401A08375E03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireRealEstateAndRealEstateJointVentures_79A76A9C6E3D3A1E0A19401A0837B848" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireLimitedPartnershipInterests" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireLimitedPartnershipInterests_7B15B5A4E5357FB9DF56401A08375B3A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_333453A502B9F989B6B1401A08375E03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireLimitedPartnershipInterests_7B15B5A4E5357FB9DF56401A08375B3A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_Cashreceivedinconnectionwithfreestandingderivatives" xlink:label="loc_bhl_Cashreceivedinconnectionwithfreestandingderivatives_F83118FF6A067934F5C5401A0837D364" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_333453A502B9F989B6B1401A08375E03" xlink:to="loc_bhl_Cashreceivedinconnectionwithfreestandingderivatives_F83118FF6A067934F5C5401A0837D364" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_CashPaidInConnectionWithFreestandingDerivatives" xlink:label="loc_bhl_CashPaidInConnectionWithFreestandingDerivatives_1C76F36073EEDB8CB314401A08376794" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_333453A502B9F989B6B1401A08375E03" xlink:to="loc_bhl_CashPaidInConnectionWithFreestandingDerivatives_1C76F36073EEDB8CB314401A08376794" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForInSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForInSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase_781CA2728F53A066F942401A08374645" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_333453A502B9F989B6B1401A08375E03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForInSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase_781CA2728F53A066F942401A08374645" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_PaymentsforSecuritiesSoldunderAgreementstoRepurchase" xlink:label="loc_bhl_PaymentsforSecuritiesSoldunderAgreementstoRepurchase_723E2B1976ADDDA04043401A08377C97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_333453A502B9F989B6B1401A08375E03" xlink:to="loc_bhl_PaymentsforSecuritiesSoldunderAgreementstoRepurchase_723E2B1976ADDDA04043401A08377C97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResell" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResell_529DF8B820B00D866B4F401A08373039" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_333453A502B9F989B6B1401A08375E03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResell_529DF8B820B00D866B4F401A08373039" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForSecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResell" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForSecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResell_E532A3EE088C72775790401A08370942" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_333453A502B9F989B6B1401A08375E03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForSecuritiesPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResell_E532A3EE088C72775790401A08370942" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_Reductionofotherinvestedassetsinconnectionwithasaleofoperatingjointventureinteresttoanaffiliate" xlink:label="loc_bhl_Reductionofotherinvestedassetsinconnectionwithasaleofoperatingjointventureinteresttoanaffiliate_71353C2CD8189BDA169A401A08379071" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_333453A502B9F989B6B1401A08375E03" xlink:to="loc_bhl_Reductionofotherinvestedassetsinconnectionwithasaleofoperatingjointventureinteresttoanaffiliate_71353C2CD8189BDA169A401A08379071" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_ReturnsOfCapitalFromSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_bhl_ReturnsOfCapitalFromSubsidiaries_02980925ABB64C71B255401A0837A7AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_333453A502B9F989B6B1401A08375E03" xlink:to="loc_bhl_ReturnsOfCapitalFromSubsidiaries_02980925ABB64C71B255401A0837A7AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_CapitalContributionsToSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_bhl_CapitalContributionsToSubsidiaries_3E9850ECD0965B66D975401A0837B3BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_333453A502B9F989B6B1401A08375E03" xlink:to="loc_bhl_CapitalContributionsToSubsidiaries_3E9850ECD0965B66D975401A0837B3BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashDividendsPaidToParentCompanyByConsolidatedSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashDividendsPaidToParentCompanyByConsolidatedSubsidiaries_CB72AF0C55CC81484D75401A0837E2E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_333453A502B9F989B6B1401A08375E03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashDividendsPaidToParentCompanyByConsolidatedSubsidiaries_CB72AF0C55CC81484D75401A0837E2E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromPolicyLoans" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromPolicyLoans_0707733D79CBBC3AEA99401A0837D9DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_333453A502B9F989B6B1401A08375E03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromPolicyLoans_0707733D79CBBC3AEA99401A0837D9DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromShortTermInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromShortTermInvestments_C54B00E39B2D5A9A0E24401A0837E807" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_333453A502B9F989B6B1401A08375E03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromShortTermInvestments_C54B00E39B2D5A9A0E24401A0837E807" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_NetChangeInOtherInvestedAssets" xlink:label="loc_bhl_NetChangeInOtherInvestedAssets_0B739C3451286BA4B8BF401A083752DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_333453A502B9F989B6B1401A08375E03" xlink:to="loc_bhl_NetChangeInOtherInvestedAssets_0B739C3451286BA4B8BF401A083752DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_E1C27095F28465491FC8401A0837CFE2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="24" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_333453A502B9F989B6B1401A08375E03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_E1C27095F28465491FC8401A0837CFE2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_DB8B7E8368AF17EE43EB401A08379CC0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_BA1175C34DF4C421EF1A401A0828D014" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_DB8B7E8368AF17EE43EB401A08379CC0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromAnnuitiesAndInvestmentCertificates" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromAnnuitiesAndInvestmentCertificates_EA73FC0B3DE4ED1D77C0401A0837EAE6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_DB8B7E8368AF17EE43EB401A08379CC0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromAnnuitiesAndInvestmentCertificates_EA73FC0B3DE4ED1D77C0401A0837EAE6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfAnnuitiesAndInvestmentCertificates" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfAnnuitiesAndInvestmentCertificates_69E19018DFC4C160D0AC401A08370EBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_DB8B7E8368AF17EE43EB401A08379CC0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfAnnuitiesAndInvestmentCertificates_69E19018DFC4C160D0AC401A08370EBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_NetChangeInPayablesForCollateralUnderSecuritiesLoanedAndOtherTransactions" xlink:label="loc_bhl_NetChangeInPayablesForCollateralUnderSecuritiesLoanedAndOtherTransactions_49D91A1ABDB8C7B5F537401A083711CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_DB8B7E8368AF17EE43EB401A08379CC0" xlink:to="loc_bhl_NetChangeInPayablesForCollateralUnderSecuritiesLoanedAndOtherTransactions_49D91A1ABDB8C7B5F537401A083711CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_E7CA2EF0DC62A6FAE959401A083789AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_DB8B7E8368AF17EE43EB401A08379CC0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_E7CA2EF0DC62A6FAE959401A083789AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_FDDADAF0E3746D13374B401A0837141B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_DB8B7E8368AF17EE43EB401A08379CC0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_FDDADAF0E3746D13374B401A0837141B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionsFromAffiliates" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionsFromAffiliates_8B13A40128F5CD3763F5401A08372B87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_DB8B7E8368AF17EE43EB401A08379CC0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionsFromAffiliates_8B13A40128F5CD3763F5401A08372B87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_ProceedsFromContributionsFromAffiliatesAssociatedWithSaleOfJointVentureInterest" xlink:label="loc_bhl_ProceedsFromContributionsFromAffiliatesAssociatedWithSaleOfJointVentureInterest_72563FD6B1C34002B544401A08374913" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_DB8B7E8368AF17EE43EB401A08379CC0" xlink:to="loc_bhl_ProceedsFromContributionsFromAffiliatesAssociatedWithSaleOfJointVentureInterest_72563FD6B1C34002B544401A08374913" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock_01F56081F2C31A9DE66D401A083711DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_DB8B7E8368AF17EE43EB401A08379CC0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock_01F56081F2C31A9DE66D401A083711DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromDerivativeInstrumentFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromDerivativeInstrumentFinancingActivities_0375A7206E6B2718CDFF401A0837FC15" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_DB8B7E8368AF17EE43EB401A08379CC0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromDerivativeInstrumentFinancingActivities_0375A7206E6B2718CDFF401A0837FC15" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_50018D77EEFF20012791401A08378CA8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_DB8B7E8368AF17EE43EB401A08379CC0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_50018D77EEFF20012791401A08378CA8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents_4583CB22353D030963A3401A0837C6D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_BA1175C34DF4C421EF1A401A0828D014" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents_4583CB22353D030963A3401A0837C6D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_FAEAE21344E244526B0C401A08378F4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_BA1175C34DF4C421EF1A401A0828D014" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_FAEAE21344E244526B0C401A08378F4E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_E2861AED1B472ADBB484401A0837A985" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_BA1175C34DF4C421EF1A401A0828D014" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_E2861AED1B472ADBB484401A0837A985" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_70D323084C335F83FDDB401A08370B21" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_BA1175C34DF4C421EF1A401A0828D014" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_70D323084C335F83FDDB401A08370B21" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaid" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaid_7EAD1D1AD26AFCCB712D401A0837D1F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_70D323084C335F83FDDB401A08370B21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaid_7EAD1D1AD26AFCCB712D401A0837D1F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet_F3C8619D6D3F8A948ECF401A08375229" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_70D323084C335F83FDDB401A08370B21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet_F3C8619D6D3F8A948ECF401A08375229" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_7C4F9FE6CED55B55C7EB401A0837539D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_70D323084C335F83FDDB401A08370B21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_7C4F9FE6CED55B55C7EB401A0837539D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_SupplementalCapitalContributionFromParent" xlink:label="loc_bhl_SupplementalCapitalContributionFromParent_E05B48689D11EE16B29E401A08373518" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_7C4F9FE6CED55B55C7EB401A0837539D" xlink:to="loc_bhl_SupplementalCapitalContributionFromParent_E05B48689D11EE16B29E401A08373518" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransferToInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransferToInvestments_4D348D427FEB031F72CD401A083703E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_7C4F9FE6CED55B55C7EB401A0837539D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransferToInvestments_4D348D427FEB031F72CD401A083703E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_TransfersofMortgageLoansFromAffiliates" xlink:label="loc_bhl_TransfersofMortgageLoansFromAffiliates_6516F3EB1F6120B33602401A0837EF39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_7C4F9FE6CED55B55C7EB401A0837539D" xlink:to="loc_bhl_TransfersofMortgageLoansFromAffiliates_6516F3EB1F6120B33602401A0837EF39" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_TransferofShortTermInvestmentsFromAffiliates" xlink:label="loc_bhl_TransferofShortTermInvestmentsFromAffiliates_C11245B93689739A3BBE401A08379F63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_7C4F9FE6CED55B55C7EB401A0837539D" xlink:to="loc_bhl_TransferofShortTermInvestmentsFromAffiliates_C11245B93689739A3BBE401A08379F63" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransferOfInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransferOfInvestments_A16380D430BD4F2442B6401A083766C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_7C4F9FE6CED55B55C7EB401A0837539D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransferOfInvestments_A16380D430BD4F2442B6401A083766C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_Reductionofotherinvestedassetsinconnectionwithreinsurancetransactions" xlink:label="loc_bhl_Reductionofotherinvestedassetsinconnectionwithreinsurancetransactions_A85919F14715E9A8CF74401A08373B85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_7C4F9FE6CED55B55C7EB401A0837539D" xlink:to="loc_bhl_Reductionofotherinvestedassetsinconnectionwithreinsurancetransactions_A85919F14715E9A8CF74401A08373B85" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_Reductionofpolicyholderaccountbalancesinconnectionwithareinsurancetransactions" xlink:label="loc_bhl_Reductionofpolicyholderaccountbalancesinconnectionwithareinsurancetransactions_B9E1AA2F5B94C4011605401A0837F1E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_7C4F9FE6CED55B55C7EB401A0837539D" xlink:to="loc_bhl_Reductionofpolicyholderaccountbalancesinconnectionwithareinsurancetransactions_B9E1AA2F5B94C4011605401A0837F1E2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/CondensedFinancialInformationParentCompanyCondensedStatementsOfOperationsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_AC9B63A83537515900363F8C807185D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_1F7A33BBE0E3A643F5F33F8C80702A03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_AC9B63A83537515900363F8C807185D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_1F7A33BBE0E3A643F5F33F8C80702A03" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_ECC9052F39DE13A6B2B43F8C8070EE02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_1F7A33BBE0E3A643F5F33F8C80702A03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_ECC9052F39DE13A6B2B43F8C8070EE02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_E8448F53F05E059239473F8C8070F254_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_ECC9052F39DE13A6B2B43F8C8070EE02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_E8448F53F05E059239473F8C8070F254_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_E8448F53F05E059239473F8C8070F254" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_ECC9052F39DE13A6B2B43F8C8070EE02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_E8448F53F05E059239473F8C8070F254" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_8512ABE3E0BCC965E0A73F8C8071ADB9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_E8448F53F05E059239473F8C8070F254" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_8512ABE3E0BCC965E0A73F8C8071ADB9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNet_47EAD7211319F4E434CD3F8C80716E3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_AC9B63A83537515900363F8C807185D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNet_47EAD7211319F4E434CD3F8C80716E3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InsuranceCommissionsAndFees" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InsuranceCommissionsAndFees_0F1960A99FEBCBB49A5D3F8C80712C92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_AC9B63A83537515900363F8C807185D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InsuranceCommissionsAndFees_0F1960A99FEBCBB49A5D3F8C80712C92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromSubsidiariesBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromSubsidiariesBeforeTax_F87CFBB76A43600960CA3F8C80710CC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_AC9B63A83537515900363F8C807185D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromSubsidiariesBeforeTax_F87CFBB76A43600960CA3F8C80710CC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome_29656BF0DB50F4B5630C3F8C807128D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_AC9B63A83537515900363F8C807185D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome_29656BF0DB50F4B5630C3F8C807128D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncome_BB47F88A831FA7C19EF33F8C8071FB87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_AC9B63A83537515900363F8C807185D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncome_BB47F88A831FA7C19EF33F8C8071FB87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments_76FA1612F5EAB572E86C3F8C8071C935" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_AC9B63A83537515900363F8C807185D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments_76FA1612F5EAB572E86C3F8C8071C935" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax_21EF6BF281B3FF248A853F8C807127B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_AC9B63A83537515900363F8C807185D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax_21EF6BF281B3FF248A853F8C807127B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_E60E21593A219EF69FFF3F8C80716CC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_AC9B63A83537515900363F8C807185D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_E60E21593A219EF69FFF3F8C80716CC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredNet_6335098FD6863D9716603F8C8071C39E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_AC9B63A83537515900363F8C807185D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredNet_6335098FD6863D9716603F8C8071C39E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestCreditedToPolicyholdersAccountBalances" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestCreditedToPolicyholdersAccountBalances_D1F976D8519F7674853F3F8C8071B9A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_AC9B63A83537515900363F8C807185D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestCreditedToPolicyholdersAccountBalances_D1F976D8519F7674853F3F8C8071B9A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndPresentValueOfFutureProfitsAmortization1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndPresentValueOfFutureProfitsAmortization1_933218151B039927594D3F8C8071F5F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_AC9B63A83537515900363F8C807185D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndPresentValueOfFutureProfitsAmortization1_933218151B039927594D3F8C8071F5F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_8C40DC224F2784459C4F3F8C8071A5EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_AC9B63A83537515900363F8C807185D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_8C40DC224F2784459C4F3F8C8071A5EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BenefitsLossesAndExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BenefitsLossesAndExpenses_E7EDB1EB4940FE6FD20D3F8C80710D16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_AC9B63A83537515900363F8C807185D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BenefitsLossesAndExpenses_E7EDB1EB4940FE6FD20D3F8C80710D16" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_93D224FA8652998D58EB3F8C807129DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_AC9B63A83537515900363F8C807185D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_93D224FA8652998D58EB3F8C807129DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_C9204C2C16432494BE663F8C8071F769" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_AC9B63A83537515900363F8C807185D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_C9204C2C16432494BE663F8C8071F769" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_0B2784BC148D855DC02D3F8C807103BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_AC9B63A83537515900363F8C807185D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_0B2784BC148D855DC02D3F8C807103BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_E1656DEB8B18622A86163F8C8071D97B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_AC9B63A83537515900363F8C807185D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_E1656DEB8B18622A86163F8C8071D97B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/CondensedFinancialInformationParentCompanyInvestmentInSubsidiariesFootnoteDetailNotes" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_DBF3CE2B107375CA6E623F1B6765323D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_1E6AFB5F2D2DC4D60E403F1B6765883B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_DBF3CE2B107375CA6E623F1B6765323D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_1E6AFB5F2D2DC4D60E403F1B6765883B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_ACB8B380FBF59C447B4F3F1B6765D3A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_1E6AFB5F2D2DC4D60E403F1B6765883B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_ACB8B380FBF59C447B4F3F1B6765D3A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_38A2C4AB3D7EFCE701603F1B6765DB04_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_ACB8B380FBF59C447B4F3F1B6765D3A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_38A2C4AB3D7EFCE701603F1B6765DB04_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_38A2C4AB3D7EFCE701603F1B6765DB04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_ACB8B380FBF59C447B4F3F1B6765D3A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_38A2C4AB3D7EFCE701603F1B6765DB04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_EA7790DF74C47A7A88063F1B676543AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_38A2C4AB3D7EFCE701603F1B6765DB04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_EA7790DF74C47A7A88063F1B676543AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_B29CAB9571432AF777203F1B6765F1E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_1E6AFB5F2D2DC4D60E403F1B6765883B" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_B29CAB9571432AF777203F1B6765F1E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_FDD823F78E3B454F5F7D3F1B67651A18_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_B29CAB9571432AF777203F1B6765F1E0" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_FDD823F78E3B454F5F7D3F1B67651A18_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_FDD823F78E3B454F5F7D3F1B67651A18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_B29CAB9571432AF777203F1B6765F1E0" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_FDD823F78E3B454F5F7D3F1B67651A18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_BrighthouseLifeInsuranceCoofNYMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_BrighthouseLifeInsuranceCoofNYMember_6E0C2779438B054899073F1B67656FF0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_FDD823F78E3B454F5F7D3F1B67651A18" xlink:to="loc_bhl_BrighthouseLifeInsuranceCoofNYMember_6E0C2779438B054899073F1B67656FF0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_BrighthouseReinsuranceCompanyofDelawareMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_BrighthouseReinsuranceCompanyofDelawareMember_0B9E472635403AD522263F1B6765A1B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_FDD823F78E3B454F5F7D3F1B67651A18" xlink:to="loc_bhl_BrighthouseReinsuranceCompanyofDelawareMember_0B9E472635403AD522263F1B6765A1B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalCapitalContribution" xlink:label="loc_bhl_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalCapitalContribution_184E86B145C214080FCC3F1B6765F879" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_DBF3CE2B107375CA6E623F1B6765323D" xlink:to="loc_bhl_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalCapitalContribution_184E86B145C214080FCC3F1B6765F879" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashDividendsPaidToParentCompany" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashDividendsPaidToParentCompany_0E0BE8C6C93D76263D7D3F1B6765B10A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_DBF3CE2B107375CA6E623F1B6765323D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashDividendsPaidToParentCompany_0E0BE8C6C93D76263D7D3F1B6765B10A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_51CB39174924C85769CF48A2F2404A16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_597ECAFEDBD90B1F887C48A2F240A53F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_51CB39174924C85769CF48A2F2404A16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_597ECAFEDBD90B1F887C48A2F240A53F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_7F248354FAC5398753A348A2F24027B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_597ECAFEDBD90B1F887C48A2F240A53F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_7F248354FAC5398753A348A2F24027B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_CB300A2EA72248A9863D48A2F240C708_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_7F248354FAC5398753A348A2F24027B6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_CB300A2EA72248A9863D48A2F240C708_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_CB300A2EA72248A9863D48A2F240C708" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_7F248354FAC5398753A348A2F24027B6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_CB300A2EA72248A9863D48A2F240C708" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_E7573413740C489DCB3348A2F240AE6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_CB300A2EA72248A9863D48A2F240C708" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_E7573413740C489DCB3348A2F240AE6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_1503F739E1FC1B1EB64548A2F240047D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_51CB39174924C85769CF48A2F2404A16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_1503F739E1FC1B1EB64548A2F240047D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_F3665C0E565D5E45566448A2F24064CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_1503F739E1FC1B1EB64548A2F240047D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_F3665C0E565D5E45566448A2F24064CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleEquitySecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleEquitySecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_53B848E75A1C6888AFA848A2F2408DE9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_1503F739E1FC1B1EB64548A2F240047D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleEquitySecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_53B848E75A1C6888AFA848A2F2408DE9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstate_EB7C2BE32307785A285148A2F2407F49" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_1503F739E1FC1B1EB64548A2F240047D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstate_EB7C2BE32307785A285148A2F2407F49" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstate_9EDA3DC31E842D4DFE2448A2F240A0CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_1503F739E1FC1B1EB64548A2F240047D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstate_9EDA3DC31E842D4DFE2448A2F240A0CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments_DAAE2090BA0777DE929748A2F240E404" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_1503F739E1FC1B1EB64548A2F240047D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments_DAAE2090BA0777DE929748A2F240E404" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_B686527CF25D533501CC48A2F240CF5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_1503F739E1FC1B1EB64548A2F240047D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_B686527CF25D533501CC48A2F240CF5C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable_7623A8DF2F61E0A716EA48A2F24003A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_1503F739E1FC1B1EB64548A2F240047D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable_7623A8DF2F61E0A716EA48A2F24003A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_DE1931095264628F7BD248A2F24028C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_51CB39174924C85769CF48A2F2404A16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_DE1931095264628F7BD248A2F24028C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_B12DE6CEA57C43C0F5AD48A2F2403A1C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_DE1931095264628F7BD248A2F24028C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_B12DE6CEA57C43C0F5AD48A2F2403A1C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_327FE83DEA1B47A09A2448A2F240219F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_DE1931095264628F7BD248A2F24028C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_327FE83DEA1B47A09A2448A2F240219F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_75025343F68C107DCB5148A2F240406A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_51CB39174924C85769CF48A2F2404A16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_75025343F68C107DCB5148A2F240406A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_A8D2C8A6971E83E9E2A248A2F2409132" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_75025343F68C107DCB5148A2F240406A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_A8D2C8A6971E83E9E2A248A2F2409132" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_FDF37CD1CCD9D312A55748A2F240480F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_75025343F68C107DCB5148A2F240406A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_FDF37CD1CCD9D312A55748A2F240480F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_60804E39979B6C13952648A2F240C317" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_75025343F68C107DCB5148A2F240406A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_60804E39979B6C13952648A2F240C317" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_7F0D552CEC5CCF2788EB48A2F2409D3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_75025343F68C107DCB5148A2F240406A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_7F0D552CEC5CCF2788EB48A2F2409D3F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ConsolidatedReinsurance" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ConsolidatedReinsuranceConsolidatedReinsuranceDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentLineItems_7B5FA1E2F424EE104AC92B7227F0503F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentTable_693C122987F49F6B3C142B7227EE54C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentLineItems_7B5FA1E2F424EE104AC92B7227F0503F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentTable_693C122987F49F6B3C142B7227EE54C4" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_EC1314C6282691ED49142B7227EEE0B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentTable_693C122987F49F6B3C142B7227EE54C4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_EC1314C6282691ED49142B7227EEE0B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_D446AD0863F6AAAADB8B2B7227EE83DF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_EC1314C6282691ED49142B7227EEE0B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_D446AD0863F6AAAADB8B2B7227EE83DF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_D446AD0863F6AAAADB8B2B7227EE83DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_EC1314C6282691ED49142B7227EEE0B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_D446AD0863F6AAAADB8B2B7227EE83DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LifeInsuranceSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LifeInsuranceSegmentMember_8CCB5CE9D281DC15E6772B7227EEF5F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_D446AD0863F6AAAADB8B2B7227EE83DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LifeInsuranceSegmentMember_8CCB5CE9D281DC15E6772B7227EEF5F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccidentAndHealthInsuranceSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccidentAndHealthInsuranceSegmentMember_9089E9412A893A7EF4BA2B7227F06882" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_D446AD0863F6AAAADB8B2B7227EE83DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccidentAndHealthInsuranceSegmentMember_9089E9412A893A7EF4BA2B7227F06882" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentNetAmountAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentNetAmountAbstract_33BBC853A4F54B8C346C2B7227F06B52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentLineItems_7B5FA1E2F424EE104AC92B7227F0503F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentNetAmountAbstract_33BBC853A4F54B8C346C2B7227F06B52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LifeInsuranceInForceGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LifeInsuranceInForceGross_DB9F6FC4237DA43BB7792B7227F096A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentNetAmountAbstract_33BBC853A4F54B8C346C2B7227F06B52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LifeInsuranceInForceGross_DB9F6FC4237DA43BB7792B7227F096A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LifeInsuranceInForceCeded" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LifeInsuranceInForceCeded_20D9CE18D358ABEEB1A12B7227F0B52E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentNetAmountAbstract_33BBC853A4F54B8C346C2B7227F06B52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LifeInsuranceInForceCeded_20D9CE18D358ABEEB1A12B7227F0B52E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LifeInsuranceInForceAssumed" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LifeInsuranceInForceAssumed_790306385D2183575B362B7227F0CA52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentNetAmountAbstract_33BBC853A4F54B8C346C2B7227F06B52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LifeInsuranceInForceAssumed_790306385D2183575B362B7227F0CA52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LifeInsuranceInForceNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LifeInsuranceInForceNet_57387203DC4EABD4DC3E2B7227F03AF4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentNetAmountAbstract_33BBC853A4F54B8C346C2B7227F06B52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LifeInsuranceInForceNet_57387203DC4EABD4DC3E2B7227F03AF4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LifeInsuranceInForcePercentageAssumedToNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LifeInsuranceInForcePercentageAssumedToNet_B98E00876BDEDD68B5062B7227F0363B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentNetAmountAbstract_33BBC853A4F54B8C346C2B7227F06B52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LifeInsuranceInForcePercentageAssumedToNet_B98E00876BDEDD68B5062B7227F0363B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DirectPremiumsEarned" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DirectPremiumsEarned_25D0F9CAB14B32AF065C2B7227F0AA17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentNetAmountAbstract_33BBC853A4F54B8C346C2B7227F06B52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DirectPremiumsEarned_25D0F9CAB14B32AF065C2B7227F0AA17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CededPremiumsEarned" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CededPremiumsEarned_3695DC4AF9B079F165BC2B7227F0205B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentNetAmountAbstract_33BBC853A4F54B8C346C2B7227F06B52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CededPremiumsEarned_3695DC4AF9B079F165BC2B7227F0205B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssumedPremiumsEarned" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssumedPremiumsEarned_1A1764F71377E7D6A05E2B7227F07F49" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentNetAmountAbstract_33BBC853A4F54B8C346C2B7227F06B52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssumedPremiumsEarned_1A1764F71377E7D6A05E2B7227F07F49" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNet_2282435B4E2DCB23CBDF2B7227F09FD6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentNetAmountAbstract_33BBC853A4F54B8C346C2B7227F06B52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNet_2282435B4E2DCB23CBDF2B7227F09FD6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PremiumsPercentageAssumedToNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsPercentageAssumedToNet_7F537132D301AD7D10BC2B7227F0012B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentNetAmountAbstract_33BBC853A4F54B8C346C2B7227F06B52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsPercentageAssumedToNet_7F537132D301AD7D10BC2B7227F0012B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ConsolidatedReinsuranceNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentLineItems_A64533B4E969A7756E642B7227E8B132" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentTable_C263A84D68FCC09693CC2B7227E7EA2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentLineItems_A64533B4E969A7756E642B7227E8B132" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentTable_C263A84D68FCC09693CC2B7227E7EA2F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_12BC06D0737D64CA50752B7227E863C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentTable_C263A84D68FCC09693CC2B7227E7EA2F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_12BC06D0737D64CA50752B7227E863C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_013AE6F4B4C84D51D9772B7227E8B81D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_12BC06D0737D64CA50752B7227E863C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_013AE6F4B4C84D51D9772B7227E8B81D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_013AE6F4B4C84D51D9772B7227E8B81D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_12BC06D0737D64CA50752B7227E863C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_013AE6F4B4C84D51D9772B7227E8B81D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LifeInsuranceSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LifeInsuranceSegmentMember_300A26602D79FF9A28DF2B7227E8E876" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_013AE6F4B4C84D51D9772B7227E8B81D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LifeInsuranceSegmentMember_300A26602D79FF9A28DF2B7227E8E876" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_605DD2F3B72654218A522B7227E82D2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentTable_C263A84D68FCC09693CC2B7227E7EA2F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_605DD2F3B72654218A522B7227E82D2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_89050F64C9F81F8D31102B7227E84B4C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_605DD2F3B72654218A522B7227E82D2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_89050F64C9F81F8D31102B7227E84B4C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_89050F64C9F81F8D31102B7227E84B4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_605DD2F3B72654218A522B7227E82D2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_89050F64C9F81F8D31102B7227E84B4C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember_AC8B0B0F1E7733F5FA122B7227E8BD47" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_89050F64C9F81F8D31102B7227E84B4C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember_AC8B0B0F1E7733F5FA122B7227E8BD47" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentNetAmountAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentNetAmountAbstract_1AE751159E0791B85ECF2B7227E92453" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentLineItems_A64533B4E969A7756E642B7227E8B132" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentNetAmountAbstract_1AE751159E0791B85ECF2B7227E92453" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CededPremiumsEarned" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CededPremiumsEarned_56B5E307D0E8D0FF211C2B7227E939C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentNetAmountAbstract_1AE751159E0791B85ECF2B7227E92453" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CededPremiumsEarned_56B5E307D0E8D0FF211C2B7227E939C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssumedPremiumsEarned" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssumedPremiumsEarned_34B478FCC33DF6C14A262B7227E982C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentNetAmountAbstract_1AE751159E0791B85ECF2B7227E92453" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssumedPremiumsEarned_34B478FCC33DF6C14A262B7227E982C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LifeInsuranceInForceAssumed" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LifeInsuranceInForceAssumed_A178A8A4F0A55F09FC2A2B7227E9F743" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentNetAmountAbstract_1AE751159E0791B85ECF2B7227E92453" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LifeInsuranceInForceAssumed_A178A8A4F0A55F09FC2A2B7227E9F743" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LifeInsuranceInForceCeded" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LifeInsuranceInForceCeded_10B6F8DE6C5D08302D8C2B7227E9D236" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentNetAmountAbstract_1AE751159E0791B85ECF2B7227E92453" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LifeInsuranceInForceCeded_10B6F8DE6C5D08302D8C2B7227E9D236" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfEquity" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_290E66A37A4ED4E582153E458FFCBA99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A9C56BF306956422485C3E458FFB7BA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_290E66A37A4ED4E582153E458FFCBA99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A9C56BF306956422485C3E458FFB7BA3" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_8B1E3BDA6A9630F6785B3E458FFB2ED9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A9C56BF306956422485C3E458FFB7BA3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_8B1E3BDA6A9630F6785B3E458FFB2ED9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_19DA0F42D66EE9B66FD83E458FFB6FB1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_8B1E3BDA6A9630F6785B3E458FFB2ED9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_19DA0F42D66EE9B66FD83E458FFB6FB1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_19DA0F42D66EE9B66FD83E458FFB6FB1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_8B1E3BDA6A9630F6785B3E458FFB2ED9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_19DA0F42D66EE9B66FD83E458FFB6FB1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_8A79998B84A21BBD5ED63E458FFBD3A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_19DA0F42D66EE9B66FD83E458FFB6FB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_8A79998B84A21BBD5ED63E458FFBD3A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_C411215B542C3CB791363E458FFB7614" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_19DA0F42D66EE9B66FD83E458FFB6FB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_C411215B542C3CB791363E458FFB7614" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_5E51B8213369ED27F0713E458FFC3E73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_19DA0F42D66EE9B66FD83E458FFB6FB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_5E51B8213369ED27F0713E458FFC3E73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_014A69F537940A0480783E458FFC94A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_19DA0F42D66EE9B66FD83E458FFB6FB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_014A69F537940A0480783E458FFC94A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ParentMember_75A083F4243645F37AE13E458FFC1200" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_19DA0F42D66EE9B66FD83E458FFB6FB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ParentMember_75A083F4243645F37AE13E458FFC1200" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_66FE854B9CB798291BEC3E458FFC5F66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_19DA0F42D66EE9B66FD83E458FFB6FB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_66FE854B9CB798291BEC3E458FFC5F66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_C203549CB31AF3C8B43D3E458FFC22A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_290E66A37A4ED4E582153E458FFCBA99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_C203549CB31AF3C8B43D3E458FFC22A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_F8D70AED29FF6D991A023E458FFCC2D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_290E66A37A4ED4E582153E458FFCBA99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_F8D70AED29FF6D991A023E458FFCC2D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalOther" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalOther_EF5DE3E9D40F79DAD1013E458FFCDE76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_290E66A37A4ED4E582153E458FFCBA99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalOther_EF5DE3E9D40F79DAD1013E458FFCDE76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash_BA4CB867E3262C6636CF3E458FFCBA97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_290E66A37A4ED4E582153E458FFCBA99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash_BA4CB867E3262C6636CF3E458FFCBA97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_AmountofotherincreasedecreaseinadditionalpaidincapitalAPICduetoareturnofcapital" xlink:label="loc_bhl_AmountofotherincreasedecreaseinadditionalpaidincapitalAPICduetoareturnofcapital_A5898AAD6D30380A6E723E458FFC0A39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_290E66A37A4ED4E582153E458FFCBA99" xlink:to="loc_bhl_AmountofotherincreasedecreaseinadditionalpaidincapitalAPICduetoareturnofcapital_A5898AAD6D30380A6E723E458FFC0A39" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_AdjustmentstoAdditionalPaidinCapitalCapitalContributionsfromParent" xlink:label="loc_bhl_AdjustmentstoAdditionalPaidinCapitalCapitalContributionsfromParent_7D6C42C2B964AD0F900F3E458FFC0D0D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_290E66A37A4ED4E582153E458FFCBA99" xlink:to="loc_bhl_AdjustmentstoAdditionalPaidinCapitalCapitalContributionsfromParent_7D6C42C2B964AD0F900F3E458FFC0D0D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestPeriodIncreaseDecrease_22702327945FCBAE744D3E458FFC0F4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_290E66A37A4ED4E582153E458FFCBA99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestPeriodIncreaseDecrease_22702327945FCBAE744D3E458FFC0F4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_CA29F3A4594472AF543F3E458FFC1250" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_290E66A37A4ED4E582153E458FFCBA99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_CA29F3A4594472AF543F3E458FFC1250" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleCumulativeEffectOfChangeOnEquityOrNetAssets1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleCumulativeEffectOfChangeOnEquityOrNetAssets1_258F2128F43DBB434F643E458FFC35A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_290E66A37A4ED4E582153E458FFCBA99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleCumulativeEffectOfChangeOnEquityOrNetAssets1_258F2128F43DBB434F643E458FFC35A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_422C7760F1A04413CA173E458FFC9582" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_290E66A37A4ED4E582153E458FFCBA99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_422C7760F1A04413CA173E458FFC9582" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ConsolidatedSummaryOfInvestmentsOtherThanInvestmentsInRelatedParties" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ConsolidatedSummaryOfInvestmentsOtherThanInvestmentsInRelatedPartiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SummaryOfInvestmentsOtherThanInvestmentsInRelatedPartiesReportableDataLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SummaryOfInvestmentsOtherThanInvestmentsInRelatedPartiesReportableDataLineItems_6B078DD4F422C337BE3348A2EC165213" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SummaryOfInvestmentsOtherThanInvestmentsInRelatedPartiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SummaryOfInvestmentsOtherThanInvestmentsInRelatedPartiesTable_6B296DE17939EE517E6748A2EC169437" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SummaryOfInvestmentsOtherThanInvestmentsInRelatedPartiesReportableDataLineItems_6B078DD4F422C337BE3348A2EC165213" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SummaryOfInvestmentsOtherThanInvestmentsInRelatedPartiesTable_6B296DE17939EE517E6748A2EC169437" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_C2B1B1258AC76554640D48A2EC16128E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SummaryOfInvestmentsOtherThanInvestmentsInRelatedPartiesTable_6B296DE17939EE517E6748A2EC169437" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_C2B1B1258AC76554640D48A2EC16128E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_C9017C131F37CEC6F4A848A2EC16F428_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_C2B1B1258AC76554640D48A2EC16128E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_C9017C131F37CEC6F4A848A2EC16F428_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_C9017C131F37CEC6F4A848A2EC16F428" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_C2B1B1258AC76554640D48A2EC16128E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_C9017C131F37CEC6F4A848A2EC16F428" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember_F809A4AB779C3D88425D48A2EC169895" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_C9017C131F37CEC6F4A848A2EC16F428" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember_F809A4AB779C3D88425D48A2EC169895" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember_9A5A6430C1CDF4B3E48948A2EC1694B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember_F809A4AB779C3D88425D48A2EC169895" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember_9A5A6430C1CDF4B3E48948A2EC1694B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_313FB25C5D6104C4860948A2EC16E01A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember_F809A4AB779C3D88425D48A2EC169895" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_313FB25C5D6104C4860948A2EC16E01A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilityBondsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityBondsMember_5DB2E63D5F7EF488303A48A2EC16B372" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember_F809A4AB779C3D88425D48A2EC169895" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityBondsMember_5DB2E63D5F7EF488303A48A2EC16B372" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_931095F1B1B0CD139D2C48A2EC16402D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember_F809A4AB779C3D88425D48A2EC169895" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_931095F1B1B0CD139D2C48A2EC16402D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllOtherCorporateBondsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherCorporateBondsMember_AC2DF58AD2783B1EB80448A2EC1648F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember_F809A4AB779C3D88425D48A2EC169895" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherCorporateBondsMember_AC2DF58AD2783B1EB80448A2EC1648F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BondsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BondsMember_EE8348B0A6C3E0E9523548A2EC160817" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember_F809A4AB779C3D88425D48A2EC169895" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BondsMember_EE8348B0A6C3E0E9523548A2EC160817" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_MortgageBackedAndAssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_MortgageBackedAndAssetBackedSecuritiesMember_8B8484227483631BEF5E48A2EC16DCBB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_C9017C131F37CEC6F4A848A2EC16F428" xlink:to="loc_bhl_MortgageBackedAndAssetBackedSecuritiesMember_8B8484227483631BEF5E48A2EC16DCBB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockMember_A321F83412003C330B7548A2EC1649CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_C9017C131F37CEC6F4A848A2EC16F428" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RedeemablePreferredStockMember_A321F83412003C330B7548A2EC1649CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentSummaryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentSummaryMember_889D2B06319A21AEB63948A2EC1616C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_C9017C131F37CEC6F4A848A2EC16F428" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentSummaryMember_889D2B06319A21AEB63948A2EC1616C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndustrialMiscellaneousAndAllOthersMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndustrialMiscellaneousAndAllOthersMember_BF6BCFB204D89AC8A5D748A2EC16CCBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentSummaryMember_889D2B06319A21AEB63948A2EC1616C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndustrialMiscellaneousAndAllOthersMember_BF6BCFB204D89AC8A5D748A2EC16CCBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilityEquitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityEquitiesMember_45FA99BA07018630D68F48A2EC1654BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentSummaryMember_889D2B06319A21AEB63948A2EC1616C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityEquitiesMember_45FA99BA07018630D68F48A2EC1654BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonredeemablePreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonredeemablePreferredStockMember_EA65941237F509ACEAD648A2EC164FCC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesInvestmentSummaryMember_889D2B06319A21AEB63948A2EC1616C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonredeemablePreferredStockMember_EA65941237F509ACEAD648A2EC164FCC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgagesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgagesMember_13AC4B657ED71886115348A2EC1627FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_C9017C131F37CEC6F4A848A2EC16F428" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgagesMember_13AC4B657ED71886115348A2EC1627FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyLoansMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyLoansMember_85B1E36413647EF477DD48A2EC1665BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_C9017C131F37CEC6F4A848A2EC16F428" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyLoansMember_85B1E36413647EF477DD48A2EC1665BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentMember_481DC896C285C413041248A2EC161965" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_C9017C131F37CEC6F4A848A2EC16F428" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentMember_481DC896C285C413041248A2EC161965" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember_2B6EC20BAE551F8E8D4B48A2EC16AC7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_C9017C131F37CEC6F4A848A2EC16F428" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember_2B6EC20BAE551F8E8D4B48A2EC16AC7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_AF0D8B0E6E0088A20CC348A2EC16A785" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_C9017C131F37CEC6F4A848A2EC16F428" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_AF0D8B0E6E0088A20CC348A2EC16A785" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_OtherInvestedAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_OtherInvestedAssetsMember_1F4CD9D1318E7C685F3C48A2EC160B3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_C9017C131F37CEC6F4A848A2EC16F428" xlink:to="loc_bhl_OtherInvestedAssetsMember_1F4CD9D1318E7C685F3C48A2EC160B3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SummaryOfInvestmentsOtherThanInvestmentsInRelatedPartiesCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SummaryOfInvestmentsOtherThanInvestmentsInRelatedPartiesCost_6D9BC78F2DB5385D8FCF48A2EC16629A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SummaryOfInvestmentsOtherThanInvestmentsInRelatedPartiesReportableDataLineItems_6B078DD4F422C337BE3348A2EC165213" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SummaryOfInvestmentsOtherThanInvestmentsInRelatedPartiesCost_6D9BC78F2DB5385D8FCF48A2EC16629A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SummaryOfInvestmentsOtherThanInvestmentsInRelatedPartiesCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SummaryOfInvestmentsOtherThanInvestmentsInRelatedPartiesCarryingAmount_BFAF67B15E50FC2BC94A48A2EC169B24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SummaryOfInvestmentsOtherThanInvestmentsInRelatedPartiesReportableDataLineItems_6B078DD4F422C337BE3348A2EC165213" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SummaryOfInvestmentsOtherThanInvestmentsInRelatedPartiesCarryingAmount_BFAF67B15E50FC2BC94A48A2EC169B24" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstate_E18268AD5A01BE16EF0048A2EC16F0C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SummaryOfInvestmentsOtherThanInvestmentsInRelatedPartiesReportableDataLineItems_6B078DD4F422C337BE3348A2EC165213" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstate_E18268AD5A01BE16EF0048A2EC16F0C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansInsurancePolicy" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsurancePolicy_28AD118047F6F8D2C32648A2EC16D35B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SummaryOfInvestmentsOtherThanInvestmentsInRelatedPartiesReportableDataLineItems_6B078DD4F422C337BE3348A2EC165213" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsurancePolicy_28AD118047F6F8D2C32648A2EC16D35B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestments_DF83258A00152014DAA048A2EC1616A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SummaryOfInvestmentsOtherThanInvestmentsInRelatedPartiesReportableDataLineItems_6B078DD4F422C337BE3348A2EC165213" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestments_DF83258A00152014DAA048A2EC1616A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_OtherLimitedPartnershipInterests" xlink:label="loc_bhl_OtherLimitedPartnershipInterests_A8C74D4C6D811B12B64D48A2EC16A65C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SummaryOfInvestmentsOtherThanInvestmentsInRelatedPartiesReportableDataLineItems_6B078DD4F422C337BE3348A2EC165213" xlink:to="loc_bhl_OtherLimitedPartnershipInterests_A8C74D4C6D811B12B64D48A2EC16A65C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherInvestments_EC6F2E01E84F8F764E1C48A2EC16DA25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SummaryOfInvestmentsOtherThanInvestmentsInRelatedPartiesReportableDataLineItems_6B078DD4F422C337BE3348A2EC165213" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherInvestments_EC6F2E01E84F8F764E1C48A2EC16DA25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments_D0DDDEF6256230EDEFC248A2EC16199C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SummaryOfInvestmentsOtherThanInvestmentsInRelatedPartiesReportableDataLineItems_6B078DD4F422C337BE3348A2EC165213" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments_D0DDDEF6256230EDEFC248A2EC16199C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SummaryOfInvestmentsOtherThanInvestmentsInRelatedPartiesFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SummaryOfInvestmentsOtherThanInvestmentsInRelatedPartiesFairValue_B154B3C64B9A0781078C48A2EC169581" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SummaryOfInvestmentsOtherThanInvestmentsInRelatedPartiesReportableDataLineItems_6B078DD4F422C337BE3348A2EC165213" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SummaryOfInvestmentsOtherThanInvestmentsInRelatedPartiesFairValue_B154B3C64B9A0781078C48A2EC169581" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ConsolidatedSupplementaryInsuranceInformation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ConsolidatedSupplementaryInsuranceInformationBalanceSheetItemsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationBySegmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationBySegmentLineItems_88C90A71DC34D331BC9840C6C49887C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationBySegmentTable_A631F6B4CA63D017D80F40C6C497DD71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationBySegmentLineItems_88C90A71DC34D331BC9840C6C49887C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationBySegmentTable_A631F6B4CA63D017D80F40C6C497DD71" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_C461FDCC90D20444FAE440C6C498605B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationBySegmentTable_A631F6B4CA63D017D80F40C6C497DD71" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_C461FDCC90D20444FAE440C6C498605B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_19A843507F5F9CC9AC0E40C6C4981472_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_C461FDCC90D20444FAE440C6C498605B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_19A843507F5F9CC9AC0E40C6C4981472_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_19A843507F5F9CC9AC0E40C6C4981472" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_C461FDCC90D20444FAE440C6C498605B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_19A843507F5F9CC9AC0E40C6C4981472" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_AnnuitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_AnnuitiesMember_D73C48E7314935F6B01A40C6C4982A99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_19A843507F5F9CC9AC0E40C6C4981472" xlink:to="loc_bhl_AnnuitiesMember_D73C48E7314935F6B01A40C6C4982A99" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_LifeMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_LifeMember_2EA4D11DAEC7BED0461F40C6C498A0F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_19A843507F5F9CC9AC0E40C6C4981472" xlink:to="loc_bhl_LifeMember_2EA4D11DAEC7BED0461F40C6C498A0F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_RunoffMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_RunoffMember_4BE2AC3C41DE2A42745540C6C4980B87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_19A843507F5F9CC9AC0E40C6C4981472" xlink:to="loc_bhl_RunoffMember_4BE2AC3C41DE2A42745540C6C4980B87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember_BD706B719BBFCDA1311B40C6C498B5CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_19A843507F5F9CC9AC0E40C6C4981472" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember_BD706B719BBFCDA1311B40C6C498B5CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndValueOfBusinessAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndValueOfBusinessAcquired_623ECA06C00AD37CC86E40C6C4982A06" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationBySegmentLineItems_88C90A71DC34D331BC9840C6C49887C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndValueOfBusinessAcquired_623ECA06C00AD37CC86E40C6C4982A06" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationFuturePolicyBenefitsOtherPolicyRelatedBalancesAndPolicyholderDividendObligation" xlink:label="loc_bhl_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationFuturePolicyBenefitsOtherPolicyRelatedBalancesAndPolicyholderDividendObligation_ECD41BBD5C09D08DC6D040C6C498E75C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationBySegmentLineItems_88C90A71DC34D331BC9840C6C49887C8" xlink:to="loc_bhl_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationFuturePolicyBenefitsOtherPolicyRelatedBalancesAndPolicyholderDividendObligation_ECD41BBD5C09D08DC6D040C6C498E75C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderContractDeposits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderContractDeposits_63AB961FE8604AF34C8640C6C4988BD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationBySegmentLineItems_88C90A71DC34D331BC9840C6C49887C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderContractDeposits_63AB961FE8604AF34C8640C6C4988BD1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationUnearnedPremiums" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationUnearnedPremiums_9AC1DEC5B51E4BFD1AB740C6C498E076" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationBySegmentLineItems_88C90A71DC34D331BC9840C6C49887C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationUnearnedPremiums_9AC1DEC5B51E4BFD1AB740C6C498E076" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationUnearnedRevenue" xlink:label="loc_bhl_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationUnearnedRevenue_97000DA6BCC87879B21C40C6C49882DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationBySegmentLineItems_88C90A71DC34D331BC9840C6C49887C8" xlink:to="loc_bhl_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationUnearnedRevenue_97000DA6BCC87879B21C40C6C49882DB" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ConsolidatedSupplementaryInsuranceInformationIncomeStatementItemsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationBySegmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationBySegmentLineItems_07F55DCCD65BC111086A48A2EBF0D87C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationBySegmentTable_F0BD87BFBC5A40122E2948A2EBF01054" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationBySegmentLineItems_07F55DCCD65BC111086A48A2EBF0D87C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationBySegmentTable_F0BD87BFBC5A40122E2948A2EBF01054" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_B01830E28B8571AC71C748A2EBF09CE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationBySegmentTable_F0BD87BFBC5A40122E2948A2EBF01054" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_B01830E28B8571AC71C748A2EBF09CE5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_FB7E2B7B003B4AC4E1C448A2EBF0B915_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_B01830E28B8571AC71C748A2EBF09CE5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_FB7E2B7B003B4AC4E1C448A2EBF0B915_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_FB7E2B7B003B4AC4E1C448A2EBF0B915" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_B01830E28B8571AC71C748A2EBF09CE5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_FB7E2B7B003B4AC4E1C448A2EBF0B915" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_AnnuitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_AnnuitiesMember_1A5838246BE9647BA9DD48A2EBF01805" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_FB7E2B7B003B4AC4E1C448A2EBF0B915" xlink:to="loc_bhl_AnnuitiesMember_1A5838246BE9647BA9DD48A2EBF01805" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_LifeMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_LifeMember_AA8831A5EC11065323F748A2EBF0B945" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_FB7E2B7B003B4AC4E1C448A2EBF0B915" xlink:to="loc_bhl_LifeMember_AA8831A5EC11065323F748A2EBF0B945" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_RunoffMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_RunoffMember_27560FDE47F98045B7CB48A2EBF0C2EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_FB7E2B7B003B4AC4E1C448A2EBF0B915" xlink:to="loc_bhl_RunoffMember_27560FDE47F98045B7CB48A2EBF0C2EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember_0BA8E27DFBA09186F40D48A2EBF0DC50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_FB7E2B7B003B4AC4E1C448A2EBF0B915" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember_0BA8E27DFBA09186F40D48A2EBF0DC50" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationPremiumRevenueAndPolicyCharges" xlink:label="loc_bhl_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationPremiumRevenueAndPolicyCharges_BFFAE825D2E4ACB9BDDE48A2EBF129A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationBySegmentLineItems_07F55DCCD65BC111086A48A2EBF0D87C" xlink:to="loc_bhl_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationPremiumRevenueAndPolicyCharges_BFFAE825D2E4ACB9BDDE48A2EBF129A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationNetInvestmentIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationNetInvestmentIncome_4A881C4773AB026025C248A2EBF18F4A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationBySegmentLineItems_07F55DCCD65BC111086A48A2EBF0D87C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationNetInvestmentIncome_4A881C4773AB026025C248A2EBF18F4A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationBenefitsClaimsLossesAndSettlementExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationBenefitsClaimsLossesAndSettlementExpense_86EB14EE39CF5F4C3DEB48A2EBF14042" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationBySegmentLineItems_07F55DCCD65BC111086A48A2EBF0D87C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationBenefitsClaimsLossesAndSettlementExpense_86EB14EE39CF5F4C3DEB48A2EBF14042" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndPresentValueOfFutureProfitsAmortization1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndPresentValueOfFutureProfitsAmortization1_BF350C5123276DEF057F48A2EBF167A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationBySegmentLineItems_07F55DCCD65BC111086A48A2EBF0D87C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndPresentValueOfFutureProfitsAmortization1_BF350C5123276DEF057F48A2EBF167A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationOtherOperatingExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationOtherOperatingExpense_D5F83A36718D3F437F2F48A2EBF1A6C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationBySegmentLineItems_07F55DCCD65BC111086A48A2EBF0D87C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementaryInsuranceInformationOtherOperatingExpense_D5F83A36718D3F437F2F48A2EBF1A6C8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ContingenciesCommitmentsAndGuarantees" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ContingenciesCommitmentsAndGuaranteesCommitmentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksDisclosureInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksDisclosureInformationLineItems_7081B474856803E7D06048EAC1276EA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksTable_CEF5DDD9C8CC9A8143DC48EAC126C3E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksDisclosureInformationLineItems_7081B474856803E7D06048EAC1276EA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksTable_CEF5DDD9C8CC9A8143DC48EAC126C3E7" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_B99BFB30D9D10BB101FA48EAC127D80D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksTable_CEF5DDD9C8CC9A8143DC48EAC126C3E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_B99BFB30D9D10BB101FA48EAC127D80D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_37A9F4C73198DFD131AE48EAC1270DE2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_B99BFB30D9D10BB101FA48EAC127D80D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_37A9F4C73198DFD131AE48EAC1270DE2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_37A9F4C73198DFD131AE48EAC1270DE2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_B99BFB30D9D10BB101FA48EAC127D80D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_37A9F4C73198DFD131AE48EAC1270DE2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember_FF3EE5F11F6F1C8AA85448EAC1274C13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_37A9F4C73198DFD131AE48EAC1270DE2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember_FF3EE5F11F6F1C8AA85448EAC1274C13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_56CC8FE7CBE1BA508EEE48EAC1271D8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksTable_CEF5DDD9C8CC9A8143DC48EAC126C3E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_56CC8FE7CBE1BA508EEE48EAC1271D8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_61FCA0469F3EC1DC278548EAC127ABA3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_56CC8FE7CBE1BA508EEE48EAC1271D8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_61FCA0469F3EC1DC278548EAC127ABA3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_61FCA0469F3EC1DC278548EAC127ABA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_56CC8FE7CBE1BA508EEE48EAC1271D8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_61FCA0469F3EC1DC278548EAC127ABA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoanOriginationCommitmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoanOriginationCommitmentsMember_205F8CE7A209F484220F48EAC1279EDD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_61FCA0469F3EC1DC278548EAC127ABA3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoanOriginationCommitmentsMember_205F8CE7A209F484220F48EAC1279EDD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsToExtendCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsToExtendCreditMember_19220482FFE862DA2ACE48EAC127892F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_61FCA0469F3EC1DC278548EAC127ABA3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsToExtendCreditMember_19220482FFE862DA2ACE48EAC127892F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_SecuredDemandNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_SecuredDemandNotesMember_48B1E07B5FBBFF8E2D4E48EAC127AEDA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_61FCA0469F3EC1DC278548EAC127ABA3" xlink:to="loc_bhl_SecuredDemandNotesMember_48B1E07B5FBBFF8E2D4E48EAC127AEDA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureOffbalanceSheetRisksFaceAmountLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureOffbalanceSheetRisksFaceAmountLiability_9C467DD31762F6FE48FD48EAC1279B3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksDisclosureInformationLineItems_7081B474856803E7D06048EAC1276EA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureOffbalanceSheetRisksFaceAmountLiability_9C467DD31762F6FE48FD48EAC1279B3E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecurityOwnedAndPledgedAsCollateralFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecurityOwnedAndPledgedAsCollateralFairValue_6A2314764F10809034D548EAC128029E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOffBalanceSheetRisksDisclosureInformationLineItems_7081B474856803E7D06048EAC1276EA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecurityOwnedAndPledgedAsCollateralFairValue_6A2314764F10809034D548EAC128029E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ContingenciesCommitmentsAndGuaranteesGuaranteesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsLineItems_FFF59BE72BC49DCE516D40B3066FE98A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTable_DB9728D598B5754EF31240B3066FD171" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsLineItems_FFF59BE72BC49DCE516D40B3066FE98A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTable_DB9728D598B5754EF31240B3066FD171" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_9AF7AFCE8F67B9B5342540B3066F062B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTable_DB9728D598B5754EF31240B3066FD171" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_9AF7AFCE8F67B9B5342540B3066F062B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_977DFDACB7C96FEEBB5640B3066FB171_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_9AF7AFCE8F67B9B5342540B3066F062B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_977DFDACB7C96FEEBB5640B3066FB171_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_977DFDACB7C96FEEBB5640B3066FB171" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_9AF7AFCE8F67B9B5342540B3066F062B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_977DFDACB7C96FEEBB5640B3066FB171" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_73FEAF51867AC1C4587C40B3066FE3F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_977DFDACB7C96FEEBB5640B3066FB171" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_73FEAF51867AC1C4587C40B3066FE3F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_1777B9FA03DEB7C1BD2040B3066FBAFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_977DFDACB7C96FEEBB5640B3066FB171" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_1777B9FA03DEB7C1BD2040B3066FBAFC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_ContingenciesCommitmentsAndGuaranteesTextualsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_bhl_ContingenciesCommitmentsAndGuaranteesTextualsAbstract_C53AAF5B1E0A1019675040B3066F1C39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsLineItems_FFF59BE72BC49DCE516D40B3066FE98A" xlink:to="loc_bhl_ContingenciesCommitmentsAndGuaranteesTextualsAbstract_C53AAF5B1E0A1019675040B3066F1C39" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_IndemnitiesAndGuaranteesContractualLimitationRange" xlink:label="loc_bhl_IndemnitiesAndGuaranteesContractualLimitationRange_27CA9AF0AB3C70CD60D140B3066FA104" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_ContingenciesCommitmentsAndGuaranteesTextualsAbstract_C53AAF5B1E0A1019675040B3066F1C39" xlink:to="loc_bhl_IndemnitiesAndGuaranteesContractualLimitationRange_27CA9AF0AB3C70CD60D140B3066FA104" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure_B8CEDBBA5C9C357466BC40B3066F4E58" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_ContingenciesCommitmentsAndGuaranteesTextualsAbstract_C53AAF5B1E0A1019675040B3066F1C39" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure_B8CEDBBA5C9C357466BC40B3066F4E58" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsCurrentCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsCurrentCarryingValue_CE6AD120936FCBE9AF5F40B3066FFC43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_ContingenciesCommitmentsAndGuaranteesTextualsAbstract_C53AAF5B1E0A1019675040B3066F1C39" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsCurrentCarryingValue_CE6AD120936FCBE9AF5F40B3066FFC43" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ContingenciesCommitmentsAndGuaranteesInsolvencyAssessmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_28E1BFC989068026C6BD2B722853C8AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_1341AA5DBCC3495D776A2B722852361E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_28E1BFC989068026C6BD2B722853C8AC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_1341AA5DBCC3495D776A2B722852361E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_842250608B8F5735F84C2B7228523483" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_1341AA5DBCC3495D776A2B722852361E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_842250608B8F5735F84C2B7228523483" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_343122C8AC14C69C57472B722853B9FF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_842250608B8F5735F84C2B7228523483" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_343122C8AC14C69C57472B722853B9FF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_343122C8AC14C69C57472B722853B9FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_842250608B8F5735F84C2B7228523483" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_343122C8AC14C69C57472B722853B9FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InsuranceRelatedAssessmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InsuranceRelatedAssessmentsMember_09F9BBE6257EE2D12BF12B722853846C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_343122C8AC14C69C57472B722853B9FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InsuranceRelatedAssessmentsMember_09F9BBE6257EE2D12BF12B722853846C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyReceivable_4A9842C3DEA975339A8A2B722853EF3A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_28E1BFC989068026C6BD2B722853C8AC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyReceivable_4A9842C3DEA975339A8A2B722853EF3A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ContingenciesCommitmentsAndGuaranteesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_7E50464725BBA0DB54532B722856C6E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_D495F1E7EB15F60B0C6F2B7228561C59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_7E50464725BBA0DB54532B722856C6E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_D495F1E7EB15F60B0C6F2B7228561C59" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_5E9A051AA4D2C905FB932B722856B81D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_D495F1E7EB15F60B0C6F2B7228561C59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_5E9A051AA4D2C905FB932B722856B81D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_4B8818DA2577EB17BD9A2B722856E94D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_5E9A051AA4D2C905FB932B722856B81D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_4B8818DA2577EB17BD9A2B722856E94D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_4B8818DA2577EB17BD9A2B722856E94D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_5E9A051AA4D2C905FB932B722856B81D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_4B8818DA2577EB17BD9A2B722856E94D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InsuranceRelatedAssessmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InsuranceRelatedAssessmentsMember_7341C154BE1B186003DA2B722856A107" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_4B8818DA2577EB17BD9A2B722856E94D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InsuranceRelatedAssessmentsMember_7341C154BE1B186003DA2B722856A107" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfLossContingenciesByContingencyTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfLossContingenciesByContingencyTextBlock_16D47E3667BBCB61E9E62B722856EFC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_7E50464725BBA0DB54532B722856C6E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfLossContingenciesByContingencyTextBlock_16D47E3667BBCB61E9E62B722856EFC5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsValueOfBusinessAcquiredAndOtherPolicyRelatedIntangibles" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsValueOfBusinessAcquiredAndOtherPolicyRelatedIntangiblesDacAndVobaBySegmentDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_BC9EC2FAE19F1FEFA51A2B722B956ABE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_2430EA8833256E20EAA02B722B948F55" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_BC9EC2FAE19F1FEFA51A2B722B956ABE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_2430EA8833256E20EAA02B722B948F55" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_BC944AE2F412DBD471A22B722B94697E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_2430EA8833256E20EAA02B722B948F55" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_BC944AE2F412DBD471A22B722B94697E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6BE5BAD3871EA4B71E082B722B946D94_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_BC944AE2F412DBD471A22B722B94697E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6BE5BAD3871EA4B71E082B722B946D94_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6BE5BAD3871EA4B71E082B722B946D94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_BC944AE2F412DBD471A22B722B94697E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6BE5BAD3871EA4B71E082B722B946D94" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_AnnuitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_AnnuitiesMember_73EDA326640481E486D02B722B95251B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6BE5BAD3871EA4B71E082B722B946D94" xlink:to="loc_bhl_AnnuitiesMember_73EDA326640481E486D02B722B95251B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_LifeMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_LifeMember_9200D3BF1A2DF6C510632B722B95FB6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6BE5BAD3871EA4B71E082B722B946D94" xlink:to="loc_bhl_LifeMember_9200D3BF1A2DF6C510632B722B95FB6D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_RunoffMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_RunoffMember_FF12CBA056E1476632242B722B950DCA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6BE5BAD3871EA4B71E082B722B946D94" xlink:to="loc_bhl_RunoffMember_FF12CBA056E1476632242B722B950DCA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember_081824C6F9012B40FF432B722B95CC38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6BE5BAD3871EA4B71E082B722B946D94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember_081824C6F9012B40FF432B722B95CC38" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndValueOfBusinessAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndValueOfBusinessAcquired_AF679354846F39E12A082B722B953612" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_BC9EC2FAE19F1FEFA51A2B722B956ABE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndValueOfBusinessAcquired_AF679354846F39E12A082B722B953612" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsValueOfBusinessAcquiredAndOtherPolicyRelatedIntangiblesDacAndVobaDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsValueOfBusinessAcquiredAndOtherPolicyRelatedIntangiblesDeferredSalesInducementsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsValueOfBusinessAcquiredAndOtherPolicyRelatedIntangiblesEstimatedFutureAmortizationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_7041978FF8C08138785F2F75D29C07F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_5489AC444AD1D1E9B6A72F75D29C92C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_7041978FF8C08138785F2F75D29C07F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_5489AC444AD1D1E9B6A72F75D29C92C1" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_18AB259BEFB0A2B30C992F75D29C0A28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_5489AC444AD1D1E9B6A72F75D29C92C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_18AB259BEFB0A2B30C992F75D29C0A28" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_D7A3C11EBFC63096E8362F75D29CCEAB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_18AB259BEFB0A2B30C992F75D29C0A28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_D7A3C11EBFC63096E8362F75D29CCEAB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_D7A3C11EBFC63096E8362F75D29CCEAB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_18AB259BEFB0A2B30C992F75D29C0A28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_D7A3C11EBFC63096E8362F75D29CCEAB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DistributionRightsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DistributionRightsMember_DB8BC417F879E83CC6A02F75D29CECA8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_D7A3C11EBFC63096E8362F75D29CCEAB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DistributionRightsMember_DB8BC417F879E83CC6A02F75D29CECA8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExpectedAmortizationExpenseOfEndingPresentValueOfFutureInsuranceProfitsNetOfInterestAccruedAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExpectedAmortizationExpenseOfEndingPresentValueOfFutureInsuranceProfitsNetOfInterestAccruedAbstract_0E230F327C60296ECBAC2F75D29C0EA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_7041978FF8C08138785F2F75D29C07F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExpectedAmortizationExpenseOfEndingPresentValueOfFutureInsuranceProfitsNetOfInterestAccruedAbstract_0E230F327C60296ECBAC2F75D29C0EA6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PresentValueOfFutureInsuranceProfitsAmortizationExpenseYearOne" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PresentValueOfFutureInsuranceProfitsAmortizationExpenseYearOne_3B7A0D9961B1953107AB2F75D29C0DBE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ExpectedAmortizationExpenseOfEndingPresentValueOfFutureInsuranceProfitsNetOfInterestAccruedAbstract_0E230F327C60296ECBAC2F75D29C0EA6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PresentValueOfFutureInsuranceProfitsAmortizationExpenseYearOne_3B7A0D9961B1953107AB2F75D29C0DBE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PresentValueOfFutureInsuranceProfitsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PresentValueOfFutureInsuranceProfitsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo_C77D140C51B70E61B9232F75D29CD6C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ExpectedAmortizationExpenseOfEndingPresentValueOfFutureInsuranceProfitsNetOfInterestAccruedAbstract_0E230F327C60296ECBAC2F75D29C0EA6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PresentValueOfFutureInsuranceProfitsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo_C77D140C51B70E61B9232F75D29CD6C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PresentValueOfFutureInsuranceProfitsAmortizationExpenseYearThree" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PresentValueOfFutureInsuranceProfitsAmortizationExpenseYearThree_FA46372EC0E5372D9D662F75D29CC919" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ExpectedAmortizationExpenseOfEndingPresentValueOfFutureInsuranceProfitsNetOfInterestAccruedAbstract_0E230F327C60296ECBAC2F75D29C0EA6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PresentValueOfFutureInsuranceProfitsAmortizationExpenseYearThree_FA46372EC0E5372D9D662F75D29CC919" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PresentValueOfFutureInsuranceProfitsAmortizationExpenseYearFour" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PresentValueOfFutureInsuranceProfitsAmortizationExpenseYearFour_B5AF503E4E27AAAA8AB12F75D29C28C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ExpectedAmortizationExpenseOfEndingPresentValueOfFutureInsuranceProfitsNetOfInterestAccruedAbstract_0E230F327C60296ECBAC2F75D29C0EA6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PresentValueOfFutureInsuranceProfitsAmortizationExpenseYearFour_B5AF503E4E27AAAA8AB12F75D29C28C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PresentValueOfFutureInsuranceProfitsAmortizationExpenseYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PresentValueOfFutureInsuranceProfitsAmortizationExpenseYearFive_8A8EBC98464CA6E1A2842F75D29C584D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ExpectedAmortizationExpenseOfEndingPresentValueOfFutureInsuranceProfitsNetOfInterestAccruedAbstract_0E230F327C60296ECBAC2F75D29C0EA6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PresentValueOfFutureInsuranceProfitsAmortizationExpenseYearFive_8A8EBC98464CA6E1A2842F75D29C584D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_08C06057085CD3413D6D2F75D29C3D8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_7041978FF8C08138785F2F75D29C07F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_08C06057085CD3413D6D2F75D29C3D8F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths_5A40768AFA54221252832F75D29C7824" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_08C06057085CD3413D6D2F75D29C3D8F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths_5A40768AFA54221252832F75D29C7824" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo_B8B256C772669EAFE5CC2F75D29C16CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_08C06057085CD3413D6D2F75D29C3D8F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo_B8B256C772669EAFE5CC2F75D29C16CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree_57355B9A5B1C14D6AEE92F75D2ACC1F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_08C06057085CD3413D6D2F75D29C3D8F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree_57355B9A5B1C14D6AEE92F75D2ACC1F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour_7F1D21662E44A51AEE2D2F75D2ACB324" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_08C06057085CD3413D6D2F75D29C3D8F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour_7F1D21662E44A51AEE2D2F75D2ACB324" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive_83D66CCBC576B37CB6182F75D2AC01C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_08C06057085CD3413D6D2F75D29C3D8F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive_83D66CCBC576B37CB6182F75D2AC01C1" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsValueOfBusinessAcquiredAndOtherPolicyRelatedIntangiblesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsValueOfBusinessAcquiredAndOtherPolicyRelatedIntangiblesVodaAndVocraDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/Derivatives" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DerivativesCashFlowHedgesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_B423A7CE98A4D0FAEF432F3D7B611A11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_6A5DDC545F66A19677432F3D7B609CC2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_B423A7CE98A4D0FAEF432F3D7B611A11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_6A5DDC545F66A19677432F3D7B609CC2" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_345A12260737102B175D2F3D7B60B8D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_6A5DDC545F66A19677432F3D7B609CC2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_345A12260737102B175D2F3D7B60B8D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_397AD3AC5F152DCDB23F2F3D7B606BFA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_345A12260737102B175D2F3D7B60B8D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_397AD3AC5F152DCDB23F2F3D7B606BFA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_397AD3AC5F152DCDB23F2F3D7B606BFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_345A12260737102B175D2F3D7B60B8D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_397AD3AC5F152DCDB23F2F3D7B606BFA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember_8C186E83EE2756CDA7332F3D7B60523F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_397AD3AC5F152DCDB23F2F3D7B606BFA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember_8C186E83EE2756CDA7332F3D7B60523F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_F999F12BE4D080C9F6322F3D7B60F621" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_6A5DDC545F66A19677432F3D7B609CC2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_F999F12BE4D080C9F6322F3D7B60F621" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_D70F955906D9EC0701232F3D7B60959B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_F999F12BE4D080C9F6322F3D7B60F621" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_D70F955906D9EC0701232F3D7B60959B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_D70F955906D9EC0701232F3D7B60959B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_F999F12BE4D080C9F6322F3D7B60F621" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_D70F955906D9EC0701232F3D7B60959B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_NetDerivativeGainLossMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_NetDerivativeGainLossMember_387EA37A05C356C332902F3D7B608EC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_D70F955906D9EC0701232F3D7B60959B" xlink:to="loc_bhl_NetDerivativeGainLossMember_387EA37A05C356C332902F3D7B608EC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeMember_4DD1CCE43BCB51BF989C2F3D7B60C321" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_D70F955906D9EC0701232F3D7B60959B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeMember_4DD1CCE43BCB51BF989C2F3D7B60C321" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_96B79A38C16450BEB7A22F3D7B61A775" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_6A5DDC545F66A19677432F3D7B609CC2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_96B79A38C16450BEB7A22F3D7B61A775" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_7FBF571E4ADCE6D7EA932F3D7B61255A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_96B79A38C16450BEB7A22F3D7B61A775" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_7FBF571E4ADCE6D7EA932F3D7B61255A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_7FBF571E4ADCE6D7EA932F3D7B61255A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_96B79A38C16450BEB7A22F3D7B61A775" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_7FBF571E4ADCE6D7EA932F3D7B61255A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_82BE8BD7B13C27B03BC82F3D7B61244A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_7FBF571E4ADCE6D7EA932F3D7B61255A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_82BE8BD7B13C27B03BC82F3D7B61244A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember_18F62A64AFBF496603862F3D7B612C12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_7FBF571E4ADCE6D7EA932F3D7B61255A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember_18F62A64AFBF496603862F3D7B612C12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember_3DF2C657DF701CB57C672F3D7B61C222" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_7FBF571E4ADCE6D7EA932F3D7B61255A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember_3DF2C657DF701CB57C672F3D7B61C222" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectOfCashFlowHedgesOnResultsOfOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectOfCashFlowHedgesOnResultsOfOperationsAbstract_E8ACA9259DE8D772ADE02F3D7B619BEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_B423A7CE98A4D0FAEF432F3D7B611A11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectOfCashFlowHedgesOnResultsOfOperationsAbstract_E8ACA9259DE8D772ADE02F3D7B619BEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowHedgeIneffectivenessIsImmaterial" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowHedgeIneffectivenessIsImmaterial_CCE2A5C242010B5CDF762F3D7B61B3A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectOfCashFlowHedgesOnResultsOfOperationsAbstract_E8ACA9259DE8D772ADE02F3D7B619BEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowHedgeIneffectivenessIsImmaterial_CCE2A5C242010B5CDF762F3D7B61B3A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDiscontinuationOfCashFlowHedgeDueToForecastedTransactionProbableOfNotOccurringNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDiscontinuationOfCashFlowHedgeDueToForecastedTransactionProbableOfNotOccurringNet_4F402785245250AF420E2F3D7B612B6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_B423A7CE98A4D0FAEF432F3D7B611A11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDiscontinuationOfCashFlowHedgeDueToForecastedTransactionProbableOfNotOccurringNet_4F402785245250AF420E2F3D7B612B6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumLengthOfTimeHedgedInCashFlowHedge1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumLengthOfTimeHedgedInCashFlowHedge1_161B4E85CBE02287FB612F3D7B619145" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_B423A7CE98A4D0FAEF432F3D7B611A11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumLengthOfTimeHedgedInCashFlowHedge1_161B4E85CBE02287FB612F3D7B619145" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectNetOfTax_599F9F0AB5D1E7BE64D22F3D7B612A3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_B423A7CE98A4D0FAEF432F3D7B611A11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectNetOfTax_599F9F0AB5D1E7BE64D22F3D7B612A3C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DerivativesChangesInEstimatedFairValueRelatedToEmbeddedDerivativesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_0EF3F0EBAD134EAB89BD2B722A525778" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_54AE6BF98199FF0E97432B722A517B6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_0EF3F0EBAD134EAB89BD2B722A525778" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_54AE6BF98199FF0E97432B722A517B6B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_291891E60FC208E1FBF52B722A51D724" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_54AE6BF98199FF0E97432B722A517B6B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_291891E60FC208E1FBF52B722A51D724" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_C7F104C919BFEF39E6862B722A5152D3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_291891E60FC208E1FBF52B722A51D724" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_C7F104C919BFEF39E6862B722A5152D3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_C7F104C919BFEF39E6862B722A5152D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_291891E60FC208E1FBF52B722A51D724" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_C7F104C919BFEF39E6862B722A5152D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_NetDerivativeGainLossMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_NetDerivativeGainLossMember_9B32C5FCD133574A8D0A2B722A522EEE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_C7F104C919BFEF39E6862B722A5152D3" xlink:to="loc_bhl_NetDerivativeGainLossMember_9B32C5FCD133574A8D0A2B722A522EEE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredNetMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredNetMember_56E04BFC2B150B4B751E2B722A520332" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_C7F104C919BFEF39E6862B722A5152D3" xlink:to="loc_bhl_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredNetMember_56E04BFC2B150B4B751E2B722A520332" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet_3FE47FDE762CE2356DF72B722A522D19" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_0EF3F0EBAD134EAB89BD2B722A525778" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet_3FE47FDE762CE2356DF72B722A522D19" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DerivativesCreditDerivativesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditDerivativesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesLineItems_B9F46139BE9E51AA904A2F2C5B3A5484" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCreditDerivativesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCreditDerivativesTable_0AE4BEB8474A2503AE212F2C5B380AAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesLineItems_B9F46139BE9E51AA904A2F2C5B3A5484" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCreditDerivativesTable_0AE4BEB8474A2503AE212F2C5B380AAD" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_A33C29285C63AA83D3412F2C5B39B4A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCreditDerivativesTable_0AE4BEB8474A2503AE212F2C5B380AAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_A33C29285C63AA83D3412F2C5B39B4A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_F4531C18D883BD9496712F2C5B3989B7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_A33C29285C63AA83D3412F2C5B39B4A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_F4531C18D883BD9496712F2C5B3989B7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_F4531C18D883BD9496712F2C5B3989B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_A33C29285C63AA83D3412F2C5B39B4A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_F4531C18D883BD9496712F2C5B3989B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_AaaAaMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_AaaAaMember_752B9F8B714711EFA8232F2C5B392CD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_F4531C18D883BD9496712F2C5B3989B7" xlink:to="loc_bhl_AaaAaMember_752B9F8B714711EFA8232F2C5B392CD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_BaaMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_BaaMember_F0A012AB733B077F1AA42F2C5B39BD9D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_F4531C18D883BD9496712F2C5B3989B7" xlink:to="loc_bhl_BaaMember_F0A012AB733B077F1AA42F2C5B39BD9D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_BaMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_BaMember_805E8416212A16A0D2C72F2C5B39252B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_F4531C18D883BD9496712F2C5B3989B7" xlink:to="loc_bhl_BaMember_805E8416212A16A0D2C72F2C5B39252B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditRiskDerivativeLiabilitiesAtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditRiskDerivativeLiabilitiesAtFairValue_E4ACEB1782DE3B6A6EC42F2C5B3AD467" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesLineItems_B9F46139BE9E51AA904A2F2C5B3A5484" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditRiskDerivativeLiabilitiesAtFairValue_E4ACEB1782DE3B6A6EC42F2C5B3AD467" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditDerivativeMaximumExposureUndiscounted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativeMaximumExposureUndiscounted_4FD205A1EA9077CFCF852F2C5B3A5125" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesLineItems_B9F46139BE9E51AA904A2F2C5B3A5484" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativeMaximumExposureUndiscounted_4FD205A1EA9077CFCF852F2C5B3A5125" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAverageRemainingMaturity1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAverageRemainingMaturity1_6EEE3C31209E7989A6582F2C5B3A0C9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesLineItems_B9F46139BE9E51AA904A2F2C5B3A5484" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAverageRemainingMaturity1_6EEE3C31209E7989A6582F2C5B3A0C9E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DerivativesCreditRiskOnFreestandingDerivativesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditDerivativesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesLineItems_B5BB0391A6151ABEA9A048A2EF330B30" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCreditDerivativesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCreditDerivativesTable_7060B6D02638172062F448A2EF333337" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesLineItems_B5BB0391A6151ABEA9A048A2EF330B30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCreditDerivativesTable_7060B6D02638172062F448A2EF333337" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_9CD51C77F8267B91106948A2EF334ED9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCreditDerivativesTable_7060B6D02638172062F448A2EF333337" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_9CD51C77F8267B91106948A2EF334ED9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_6AC8AB7A8C6BA3962F9F48A2EF338962_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_9CD51C77F8267B91106948A2EF334ED9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_6AC8AB7A8C6BA3962F9F48A2EF338962_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_6AC8AB7A8C6BA3962F9F48A2EF338962" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_9CD51C77F8267B91106948A2EF334ED9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_6AC8AB7A8C6BA3962F9F48A2EF338962" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember_16D4C19C98A98B564F1548A2EF338794" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_6AC8AB7A8C6BA3962F9F48A2EF338962" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember_16D4C19C98A98B564F1548A2EF338794" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNetLiabilityPositionAggregateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNetLiabilityPositionAggregateFairValue_8D90D3D453D67A6D950B48A2EF338B28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesLineItems_B5BB0391A6151ABEA9A048A2EF330B30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNetLiabilityPositionAggregateFairValue_8D90D3D453D67A6D950B48A2EF338B28" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollateralAlreadyPostedAggregateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollateralAlreadyPostedAggregateFairValue_CAE08F8A585554D22A9D48A2EF338A83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesLineItems_B5BB0391A6151ABEA9A048A2EF330B30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollateralAlreadyPostedAggregateFairValue_CAE08F8A585554D22A9D48A2EF338A83" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DerivativesDerivativesNqCfFvDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_BE48343B98EC9627BBD13F8C81D24423" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_520623878E12460097A33F8C81D0E7EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_BE48343B98EC9627BBD13F8C81D24423" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_520623878E12460097A33F8C81D0E7EA" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ManagingRisksInherentInServicingAssetsAndServicingLiabilitiesByTypeOfRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ManagingRisksInherentInServicingAssetsAndServicingLiabilitiesByTypeOfRiskAxis_45A10303D460F013397D3F8C81D07735" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_520623878E12460097A33F8C81D0E7EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ManagingRisksInherentInServicingAssetsAndServicingLiabilitiesByTypeOfRiskAxis_45A10303D460F013397D3F8C81D07735" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RisksInherentInServicingAssetsAndServicingLiabilitiesTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RisksInherentInServicingAssetsAndServicingLiabilitiesTypeDomain_713D6B02CF3C6046F18B3F8C81D027D9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ManagingRisksInherentInServicingAssetsAndServicingLiabilitiesByTypeOfRiskAxis_45A10303D460F013397D3F8C81D07735" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RisksInherentInServicingAssetsAndServicingLiabilitiesTypeDomain_713D6B02CF3C6046F18B3F8C81D027D9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RisksInherentInServicingAssetsAndServicingLiabilitiesTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RisksInherentInServicingAssetsAndServicingLiabilitiesTypeDomain_713D6B02CF3C6046F18B3F8C81D027D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ManagingRisksInherentInServicingAssetsAndServicingLiabilitiesByTypeOfRiskAxis_45A10303D460F013397D3F8C81D07735" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RisksInherentInServicingAssetsAndServicingLiabilitiesTypeDomain_713D6B02CF3C6046F18B3F8C81D027D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsMember_9437114DADBB834EDC933F8C81D06403" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RisksInherentInServicingAssetsAndServicingLiabilitiesTypeDomain_713D6B02CF3C6046F18B3F8C81D027D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsMember_9437114DADBB834EDC933F8C81D06403" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_08F1464AEDF5062E468C3F8C81D069A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_520623878E12460097A33F8C81D0E7EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_08F1464AEDF5062E468C3F8C81D069A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_BE255042491AFE5531B43F8C81D03268_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_08F1464AEDF5062E468C3F8C81D069A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_BE255042491AFE5531B43F8C81D03268_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_BE255042491AFE5531B43F8C81D03268" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_08F1464AEDF5062E468C3F8C81D069A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_BE255042491AFE5531B43F8C81D03268" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember_53A1313F40FFD4B093C63F8C81D0882F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_BE255042491AFE5531B43F8C81D03268" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember_53A1313F40FFD4B093C63F8C81D0882F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsMember_24F7E957267D0328D5DA3F8C81D07A30" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_BE255042491AFE5531B43F8C81D03268" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsMember_24F7E957267D0328D5DA3F8C81D07A30" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember_7A8357C2FB0568A174493F8C81D0DA8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_BE255042491AFE5531B43F8C81D03268" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember_7A8357C2FB0568A174493F8C81D0DA8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditRiskContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditRiskContractMember_6620A2E5DC7B8E7FFD473F8C81D095F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_BE255042491AFE5531B43F8C81D03268" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditRiskContractMember_6620A2E5DC7B8E7FFD473F8C81D095F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityContractMember_A6BC6971223AEEB43F5E3F8C81D10B5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_BE255042491AFE5531B43F8C81D03268" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityContractMember_A6BC6971223AEEB43F5E3F8C81D10B5E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_3DA74C9D0E5CB94F08A43F8C81D1FF5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_520623878E12460097A33F8C81D0E7EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_3DA74C9D0E5CB94F08A43F8C81D1FF5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_C7848C799278018ED32A3F8C81D1A46C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_3DA74C9D0E5CB94F08A43F8C81D1FF5A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_C7848C799278018ED32A3F8C81D1A46C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_C7848C799278018ED32A3F8C81D1A46C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_3DA74C9D0E5CB94F08A43F8C81D1FF5A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_C7848C799278018ED32A3F8C81D1A46C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueHedgingMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueHedgingMember_11E2C15250409C1F1A593F8C81D15E3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_C7848C799278018ED32A3F8C81D1A46C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueHedgingMember_11E2C15250409C1F1A593F8C81D15E3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_714FF736D32DA81065743F8C81D1F928" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_C7848C799278018ED32A3F8C81D1A46C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_714FF736D32DA81065743F8C81D1F928" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_NetDerivativeGainLossMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_NetDerivativeGainLossMember_223DFCBE64334C356BB83F8C81D1D629" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_C7848C799278018ED32A3F8C81D1A46C" xlink:to="loc_bhl_NetDerivativeGainLossMember_223DFCBE64334C356BB83F8C81D1D629" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeMember_6DCC8059EBD622EC576F3F8C81D171F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_C7848C799278018ED32A3F8C81D1A46C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeMember_6DCC8059EBD622EC576F3F8C81D171F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_PolicyholderBenefitAndClaimMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_PolicyholderBenefitAndClaimMember_37056ED645735A0E59B43F8C81D18AEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_C7848C799278018ED32A3F8C81D1A46C" xlink:to="loc_bhl_PolicyholderBenefitAndClaimMember_37056ED645735A0E59B43F8C81D18AEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationAxis_34C0544D8E31F96794493F8C81D138D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_520623878E12460097A33F8C81D0E7EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationAxis_34C0544D8E31F96794493F8C81D138D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationDomain_4A61426B36D1F6D82BEA3F8C81D11A71_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationAxis_34C0544D8E31F96794493F8C81D138D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationDomain_4A61426B36D1F6D82BEA3F8C81D11A71_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationDomain_4A61426B36D1F6D82BEA3F8C81D11A71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationAxis_34C0544D8E31F96794493F8C81D138D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLocationDomain_4A61426B36D1F6D82BEA3F8C81D11A71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_991D9B7DB193301A79973F8C81D1DF64" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_520623878E12460097A33F8C81D0E7EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_991D9B7DB193301A79973F8C81D1DF64" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_5873D8CBA4D3E45EEE543F8C81D1BE65_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_991D9B7DB193301A79973F8C81D1DF64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_5873D8CBA4D3E45EEE543F8C81D1BE65_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_5873D8CBA4D3E45EEE543F8C81D1BE65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_991D9B7DB193301A79973F8C81D1DF64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_5873D8CBA4D3E45EEE543F8C81D1BE65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NondesignatedMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_9C584369E8AEF47840493F8C81D1DFCA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_5873D8CBA4D3E45EEE543F8C81D1BE65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_9C584369E8AEF47840493F8C81D1DFCA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_44556EA95E9133690C843F8C81D13751" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_520623878E12460097A33F8C81D0E7EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_44556EA95E9133690C843F8C81D13751" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_A1948D01CE952827061A3F8C81D1C65F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_44556EA95E9133690C843F8C81D13751" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_A1948D01CE952827061A3F8C81D1C65F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_A1948D01CE952827061A3F8C81D1C65F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_44556EA95E9133690C843F8C81D13751" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_A1948D01CE952827061A3F8C81D1C65F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_88A2E4E8A7337728D0743F8C81D12ACD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_A1948D01CE952827061A3F8C81D1C65F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_88A2E4E8A7337728D0743F8C81D12ACD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueHedgingMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueHedgingMember_793EC382E940BC9F1FB23F8C81D20F29" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_A1948D01CE952827061A3F8C81D1C65F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueHedgingMember_793EC382E940BC9F1FB23F8C81D20F29" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember_97A820B9BBA2FFE8B9E03F8C81D2B5B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_A1948D01CE952827061A3F8C81D1C65F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember_97A820B9BBA2FFE8B9E03F8C81D2B5B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NondesignatedMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_BAB794E54B808CFCF5C33F8C81D26C1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_A1948D01CE952827061A3F8C81D1C65F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_BAB794E54B808CFCF5C33F8C81D26C1B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowHedgeIneffectivenessIsImmaterial" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowHedgeIneffectivenessIsImmaterial_AE73562224875C8E12C13F8C81D2F19B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_BE48343B98EC9627BBD13F8C81D24423" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowHedgeIneffectivenessIsImmaterial_AE73562224875C8E12C13F8C81D2F19B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInUnrealizedGainLossOnHedgedItemInFairValueHedge1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInUnrealizedGainLossOnHedgedItemInFairValueHedge1_5B9E14402AADFD0FF3C73F8C81D2F430" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_BE48343B98EC9627BBD13F8C81D24423" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInUnrealizedGainLossOnHedgedItemInFairValueHedge1_5B9E14402AADFD0FF3C73F8C81D2F430" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_GainsLossesDeferredInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossOnDerivativesEffectivePortion" xlink:label="loc_bhl_GainsLossesDeferredInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossOnDerivativesEffectivePortion_12191ABA1B8D3AD214A53F8C81D2693D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_BE48343B98EC9627BBD13F8C81D24423" xlink:to="loc_bhl_GainsLossesDeferredInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossOnDerivativesEffectivePortion_12191ABA1B8D3AD214A53F8C81D2693D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_C2DE74B11AEBF730A8903F8C81D2C901" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_BE48343B98EC9627BBD13F8C81D24423" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_C2DE74B11AEBF730A8903F8C81D2C901" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DerivativesEarnedIncomeOnDerivativesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_91B2D694F639E7D091932B722A750C9A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_030DA69365701D0111F62B722A75A1AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_91B2D694F639E7D091932B722A750C9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_030DA69365701D0111F62B722A75A1AB" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_7071AD1D7727EEE268AF2B722A757891" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_030DA69365701D0111F62B722A75A1AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_7071AD1D7727EEE268AF2B722A757891" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_4928FB905081172D91632B722A75B0D7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_7071AD1D7727EEE268AF2B722A757891" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_4928FB905081172D91632B722A75B0D7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_4928FB905081172D91632B722A75B0D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_7071AD1D7727EEE268AF2B722A757891" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_4928FB905081172D91632B722A75B0D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember_677DEEA71268DCA8CB282B722A7501EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_4928FB905081172D91632B722A75B0D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember_677DEEA71268DCA8CB282B722A7501EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NondesignatedMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_55D23D605B720B7BCDB92B722A7551C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_4928FB905081172D91632B722A75B0D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_55D23D605B720B7BCDB92B722A7551C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_87C180BEA3D1DB8360092B722A751AFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_030DA69365701D0111F62B722A75A1AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_87C180BEA3D1DB8360092B722A751AFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_3ABBB92675B066AEFB5B2B722A756FC7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_87C180BEA3D1DB8360092B722A751AFB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_3ABBB92675B066AEFB5B2B722A756FC7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_3ABBB92675B066AEFB5B2B722A756FC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_87C180BEA3D1DB8360092B722A751AFB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_3ABBB92675B066AEFB5B2B722A756FC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeMember_83CFF773818585AA0F7D2B722A752412" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_3ABBB92675B066AEFB5B2B722A756FC7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeMember_83CFF773818585AA0F7D2B722A752412" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_InterestCreditedToPolicyholderAccountBalanceMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_InterestCreditedToPolicyholderAccountBalanceMember_F3A78E150D5D56EBF1AF2B722A75BFB5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_3ABBB92675B066AEFB5B2B722A756FC7" xlink:to="loc_bhl_InterestCreditedToPolicyholderAccountBalanceMember_F3A78E150D5D56EBF1AF2B722A75BFB5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_NetDerivativeGainLossMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_NetDerivativeGainLossMember_FEEF335D650A2451FE902B722A75E080" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_3ABBB92675B066AEFB5B2B722A756FC7" xlink:to="loc_bhl_NetDerivativeGainLossMember_FEEF335D650A2451FE902B722A75E080" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_PolicyholderBenefitAndClaimMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_PolicyholderBenefitAndClaimMember_F9067AC543B23AC5F3702B722A75E04F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_3ABBB92675B066AEFB5B2B722A756FC7" xlink:to="loc_bhl_PolicyholderBenefitAndClaimMember_F9067AC543B23AC5F3702B722A75E04F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestAndOtherIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndOtherIncome_D52C4F84583B0A019F902B722A765242" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_91B2D694F639E7D091932B722A750C9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndOtherIncome_D52C4F84583B0A019F902B722A765242" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DerivativesEmbeddedDerivativesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_D7B6D23403189C0CFFF52F327A190359" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_036028E50C0B66C8417E2F327A186FFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_D7B6D23403189C0CFFF52F327A190359" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_036028E50C0B66C8417E2F327A186FFC" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_99401C8837E6A5B3506B2F327A182C4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_036028E50C0B66C8417E2F327A186FFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_99401C8837E6A5B3506B2F327A182C4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_BAF29E6C25470FA07FA72F327A185EDC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_99401C8837E6A5B3506B2F327A182C4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_BAF29E6C25470FA07FA72F327A185EDC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_BAF29E6C25470FA07FA72F327A185EDC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_99401C8837E6A5B3506B2F327A182C4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_BAF29E6C25470FA07FA72F327A185EDC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesAssetsMember_60F999FC72FF98A8CB572F327A186695" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_BAF29E6C25470FA07FA72F327A185EDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesAssetsMember_60F999FC72FF98A8CB572F327A186695" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeAxis_2D26703C5C29FD94373C2F327A18B75E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_036028E50C0B66C8417E2F327A186FFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeAxis_2D26703C5C29FD94373C2F327A18B75E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeDomain_A158559388A72C5B7DA62F327A18E562_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeAxis_2D26703C5C29FD94373C2F327A18B75E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeDomain_A158559388A72C5B7DA62F327A18E562_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeDomain_A158559388A72C5B7DA62F327A18E562" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeAxis_2D26703C5C29FD94373C2F327A18B75E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeDomain_A158559388A72C5B7DA62F327A18E562" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_CededGuaranteedMinimumBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_CededGuaranteedMinimumBenefitMember_4FD3A24D77CABB38EFC42F327A185CD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeDomain_A158559388A72C5B7DA62F327A18E562" xlink:to="loc_bhl_CededGuaranteedMinimumBenefitMember_4FD3A24D77CABB38EFC42F327A185CD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_DirectGuaranteedMinimumBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_DirectGuaranteedMinimumBenefitMember_FEC3FC401B802C56A4E22F327A1823E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeDomain_A158559388A72C5B7DA62F327A18E562" xlink:to="loc_bhl_DirectGuaranteedMinimumBenefitMember_FEC3FC401B802C56A4E22F327A1823E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFixedAnnuityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFixedAnnuityMember_AEF5AC716F871426A4CC2F327A181FBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeDomain_A158559388A72C5B7DA62F327A18E562" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFixedAnnuityMember_AEF5AC716F871426A4CC2F327A181FBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_AssumedGuaranteedMinimumBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_AssumedGuaranteedMinimumBenefitMember_1E6D5E9237B636A818A92F327A195DE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeDomain_A158559388A72C5B7DA62F327A18E562" xlink:to="loc_bhl_AssumedGuaranteedMinimumBenefitMember_1E6D5E9237B636A818A92F327A195DE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_OtherEmbeddedDerivativesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_OtherEmbeddedDerivativesMember_12AF2B08AC81C3C2E6E22F327A19D64D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeDomain_A158559388A72C5B7DA62F327A18E562" xlink:to="loc_bhl_OtherEmbeddedDerivativesMember_12AF2B08AC81C3C2E6E22F327A19D64D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_F5EBA514906DDC16B94D2F327A1999BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_036028E50C0B66C8417E2F327A186FFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_F5EBA514906DDC16B94D2F327A1999BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_7FD6F0A55F6F22D55F942F327A193D85_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_F5EBA514906DDC16B94D2F327A1999BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_7FD6F0A55F6F22D55F942F327A193D85_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_7FD6F0A55F6F22D55F942F327A193D85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_F5EBA514906DDC16B94D2F327A1999BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_7FD6F0A55F6F22D55F942F327A193D85" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_ReceivablesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_ReceivablesMember_EC93EC9D6F86E8AEC0B12F327A190E03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_7FD6F0A55F6F22D55F942F327A193D85" xlink:to="loc_bhl_ReceivablesMember_EC93EC9D6F86E8AEC0B12F327A190E03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherInvestmentsMember_02FF19CBDA524E3BFBCA2F327A191FA8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_7FD6F0A55F6F22D55F942F327A193D85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherInvestmentsMember_02FF19CBDA524E3BFBCA2F327A191FA8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_PolicyholderAccountBalancesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_PolicyholderAccountBalancesMember_A0A27F50BECB182EA2002F327A19D107" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_7FD6F0A55F6F22D55F942F327A193D85" xlink:to="loc_bhl_PolicyholderAccountBalancesMember_A0A27F50BECB182EA2002F327A19D107" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeNetAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeNetAbstract_CA73FCCB5CF0F96509FE2F327A1983E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_D7B6D23403189C0CFFF52F327A190359" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeNetAbstract_CA73FCCB5CF0F96509FE2F327A1983E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeAsset_4C092848B4C07C0A942A2F327A19E4CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeNetAbstract_CA73FCCB5CF0F96509FE2F327A1983E0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeAsset_4C092848B4C07C0A942A2F327A19E4CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeLiability_2B0E82F61FD7B730FC852F327A19A458" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeNetAbstract_CA73FCCB5CF0F96509FE2F327A1983E0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeLiability_2B0E82F61FD7B730FC852F327A19A458" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DerivativesEstimatedFairValueOfDerivativesAssetsAndLiabilitiesAfterMasterNettingAgreementsAndCashDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsLineItems_100CC6128F16029059BC2B722A5F0829" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsTable_2AF71C49BC47197409F12B722A5E578B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsLineItems_100CC6128F16029059BC2B722A5F0829" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsTable_2AF71C49BC47197409F12B722A5E578B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransactionTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransactionTypeAxis_B2695B89625D3BC56A262B722A5FEE48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsTable_2AF71C49BC47197409F12B722A5E578B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransactionTypeAxis_B2695B89625D3BC56A262B722A5FEE48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransactionDomain_C2F95CDA4154108A12792B722A5F6A90_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransactionTypeAxis_B2695B89625D3BC56A262B722A5FEE48" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransactionDomain_C2F95CDA4154108A12792B722A5F6A90_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransactionDomain_C2F95CDA4154108A12792B722A5F6A90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransactionTypeAxis_B2695B89625D3BC56A262B722A5FEE48" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransactionDomain_C2F95CDA4154108A12792B722A5F6A90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OverTheCounterMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OverTheCounterMember_FE7BF9209131E00A4C862B722A5F814F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransactionDomain_C2F95CDA4154108A12792B722A5F6A90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OverTheCounterMember_FE7BF9209131E00A4C862B722A5F814F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExchangeClearedMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExchangeClearedMember_05F64F4D13493DD3CE992B722A5FC938" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransactionDomain_C2F95CDA4154108A12792B722A5F6A90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExchangeClearedMember_05F64F4D13493DD3CE992B722A5FC938" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExchangeTradedMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExchangeTradedMember_F2D51E952F81BE477F732B722A5FB739" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransactionDomain_C2F95CDA4154108A12792B722A5F6A90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExchangeTradedMember_F2D51E952F81BE477F732B722A5FB739" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossAssetExcludingAccruals" xlink:label="loc_bhl_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossAssetExcludingAccruals_15CF186B298E893CF2CF2B722A5FA4C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsLineItems_100CC6128F16029059BC2B722A5F0829" xlink:to="loc_bhl_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossAssetExcludingAccruals_15CF186B298E893CF2CF2B722A5FA4C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossLiabilityExcludingAccruals" xlink:label="loc_bhl_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossLiabilityExcludingAccruals_250F35DC010FE755C1372B722A5F6C1C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsLineItems_100CC6128F16029059BC2B722A5F0829" xlink:to="loc_bhl_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossLiabilityExcludingAccruals_250F35DC010FE755C1372B722A5F6C1C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetNotSubjectToMasterNettingArrangement" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetNotSubjectToMasterNettingArrangement_4B37C37A049C8B254C642B722A5FC60F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsLineItems_100CC6128F16029059BC2B722A5F0829" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetNotSubjectToMasterNettingArrangement_4B37C37A049C8B254C642B722A5FC60F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotSubjectToMasterNettingArrangement" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotSubjectToMasterNettingArrangement_340E2F7748F9BB417EAD2B722A5F5B54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsLineItems_100CC6128F16029059BC2B722A5F0829" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotSubjectToMasterNettingArrangement_340E2F7748F9BB417EAD2B722A5F5B54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral_6E1C73EDE4CBF3552CC02B722A5F467B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsLineItems_100CC6128F16029059BC2B722A5F0829" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral_6E1C73EDE4CBF3552CC02B722A5F467B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral_EF4B4E2BB7F7B6DA3D6C2B722A5FAA78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsLineItems_100CC6128F16029059BC2B722A5F0829" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral_EF4B4E2BB7F7B6DA3D6C2B722A5FAA78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral_3EAFADC6E137149D33D82B722A5F9C06" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsLineItems_100CC6128F16029059BC2B722A5F0829" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral_3EAFADC6E137149D33D82B722A5F9C06" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral_95CD5876E0F4B5DC2A502B722A60BF2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsLineItems_100CC6128F16029059BC2B722A5F0829" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral_95CD5876E0F4B5DC2A502B722A60BF2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_F9DCFF18E2334A5AA1832B722A60E62B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsLineItems_100CC6128F16029059BC2B722A5F0829" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_F9DCFF18E2334A5AA1832B722A60E62B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_2EE81179F31FC3142CA02B722A605777" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsLineItems_100CC6128F16029059BC2B722A5F0829" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_2EE81179F31FC3142CA02B722A605777" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetCollateralObligationToReturnCashOffset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetCollateralObligationToReturnCashOffset_58A6DBB1ECA268AD29A82B722A60F60E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsLineItems_100CC6128F16029059BC2B722A5F0829" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetCollateralObligationToReturnCashOffset_58A6DBB1ECA268AD29A82B722A60F60E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityCollateralRightToReclaimCashOffset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityCollateralRightToReclaimCashOffset_2E03B1473BC45EB3511B2B722A606249" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsLineItems_100CC6128F16029059BC2B722A5F0829" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityCollateralRightToReclaimCashOffset_2E03B1473BC45EB3511B2B722A606249" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_DerivativeAssetCollateralObligationToReturnSecuritiesOffset" xlink:label="loc_bhl_DerivativeAssetCollateralObligationToReturnSecuritiesOffset_31E6B88F0D70FE1CCA5A2B722A6000F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsLineItems_100CC6128F16029059BC2B722A5F0829" xlink:to="loc_bhl_DerivativeAssetCollateralObligationToReturnSecuritiesOffset_31E6B88F0D70FE1CCA5A2B722A6000F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_DerivativeLiabilityCollateralRightToReclaimSecuritiesOffset" xlink:label="loc_bhl_DerivativeLiabilityCollateralRightToReclaimSecuritiesOffset_30064B46F7CC836E0FED2B722A60705D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsLineItems_100CC6128F16029059BC2B722A5F0829" xlink:to="loc_bhl_DerivativeLiabilityCollateralRightToReclaimSecuritiesOffset_30064B46F7CC836E0FED2B722A60705D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DerivativesFairValueHedgesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_D758A9876FAFAA7995A62F7A9E553062" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_4DDA7C8F43A93FA261DE2F7A9E555103" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_D758A9876FAFAA7995A62F7A9E553062" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_4DDA7C8F43A93FA261DE2F7A9E555103" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_D5346688D9981CA6763B2F7A9E55E094" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_4DDA7C8F43A93FA261DE2F7A9E555103" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_D5346688D9981CA6763B2F7A9E55E094" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_A10F830938BE549B41132F7A9E55C25E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_D5346688D9981CA6763B2F7A9E55E094" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_A10F830938BE549B41132F7A9E55C25E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_A10F830938BE549B41132F7A9E55C25E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_D5346688D9981CA6763B2F7A9E55E094" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_A10F830938BE549B41132F7A9E55C25E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_F3E6194689DD9127384C2F7A9E55CD11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_A10F830938BE549B41132F7A9E55C25E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_F3E6194689DD9127384C2F7A9E55CD11" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember_31A6D1BC8921B0DFB6082F7A9E5524EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_A10F830938BE549B41132F7A9E55C25E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember_31A6D1BC8921B0DFB6082F7A9E5524EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_2430F3B0C34F50D5B3002F7A9E554902" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_4DDA7C8F43A93FA261DE2F7A9E555103" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_2430F3B0C34F50D5B3002F7A9E554902" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_4269360904CE51D0AB932F7A9E559466_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_2430F3B0C34F50D5B3002F7A9E554902" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_4269360904CE51D0AB932F7A9E559466_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_4269360904CE51D0AB932F7A9E559466" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_2430F3B0C34F50D5B3002F7A9E554902" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_4269360904CE51D0AB932F7A9E559466" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_AB3C66289117A268652D2F7A9E55ECE6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_4269360904CE51D0AB932F7A9E559466" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_AB3C66289117A268652D2F7A9E55ECE6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_PolicyholderAccountBalancesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_PolicyholderAccountBalancesMember_306AC2FDB7904C7AC5312F7A9E551249" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_4269360904CE51D0AB932F7A9E559466" xlink:to="loc_bhl_PolicyholderAccountBalancesMember_306AC2FDB7904C7AC5312F7A9E551249" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_148673CA64EF955B34A52F7A9E55E291" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_D758A9876FAFAA7995A62F7A9E553062" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_148673CA64EF955B34A52F7A9E55E291" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInUnrealizedGainLossOnHedgedItemInFairValueHedge1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInUnrealizedGainLossOnHedgedItemInFairValueHedge1_F7F98D073378B4F10D492F7A9E551FFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_D758A9876FAFAA7995A62F7A9E553062" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInUnrealizedGainLossOnHedgedItemInFairValueHedge1_F7F98D073378B4F10D492F7A9E551FFE" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DerivativesGainsLossesRecognizedInIncomeNotDesignatedOrQualifyingDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_22D1CB4FEC44157420E02F2D91E12D07" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_637FBF08EA68D47EEA2B2F2D91DAF85B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_22D1CB4FEC44157420E02F2D91E12D07" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_637FBF08EA68D47EEA2B2F2D91DAF85B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_CF7C398E8FC2C3A17E982F2D91DABDE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_637FBF08EA68D47EEA2B2F2D91DAF85B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_CF7C398E8FC2C3A17E982F2D91DABDE0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_45F3BA062A8D80501B8D2F2D91DAA260_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_CF7C398E8FC2C3A17E982F2D91DABDE0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_45F3BA062A8D80501B8D2F2D91DAA260_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_45F3BA062A8D80501B8D2F2D91DAA260" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_CF7C398E8FC2C3A17E982F2D91DABDE0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_45F3BA062A8D80501B8D2F2D91DAA260" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NondesignatedMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_18201633FB0D027C8FAA2F2D91DAE3B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_45F3BA062A8D80501B8D2F2D91DAA260" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_18201633FB0D027C8FAA2F2D91DAE3B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_8CFDDED10FDD0A2872962F2D91DA0D98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_637FBF08EA68D47EEA2B2F2D91DAF85B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_8CFDDED10FDD0A2872962F2D91DA0D98" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_D416749AE961B6F1B71F2F2D91DB138B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_8CFDDED10FDD0A2872962F2D91DA0D98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_D416749AE961B6F1B71F2F2D91DB138B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_D416749AE961B6F1B71F2F2D91DB138B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_8CFDDED10FDD0A2872962F2D91DA0D98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_D416749AE961B6F1B71F2F2D91DB138B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_NetDerivativeGainLossMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_NetDerivativeGainLossMember_CED7AD62F1885E6EE51E2F2D91DB7356" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_D416749AE961B6F1B71F2F2D91DB138B" xlink:to="loc_bhl_NetDerivativeGainLossMember_CED7AD62F1885E6EE51E2F2D91DB7356" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeMember_99F24C26A919C85FC53D2F2D91DC1B62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_D416749AE961B6F1B71F2F2D91DB138B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeMember_99F24C26A919C85FC53D2F2D91DC1B62" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_PolicyholderBenefitAndClaimMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_PolicyholderBenefitAndClaimMember_F47F4391F374B856FBAB2F2D91DC20F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_D416749AE961B6F1B71F2F2D91DB138B" xlink:to="loc_bhl_PolicyholderBenefitAndClaimMember_F47F4391F374B856FBAB2F2D91DC20F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ManagingRisksInherentInServicingAssetsAndServicingLiabilitiesByTypeOfRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ManagingRisksInherentInServicingAssetsAndServicingLiabilitiesByTypeOfRiskAxis_526851E9BF74ACF10FDB2F2D91E13739" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_637FBF08EA68D47EEA2B2F2D91DAF85B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ManagingRisksInherentInServicingAssetsAndServicingLiabilitiesByTypeOfRiskAxis_526851E9BF74ACF10FDB2F2D91E13739" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RisksInherentInServicingAssetsAndServicingLiabilitiesTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RisksInherentInServicingAssetsAndServicingLiabilitiesTypeDomain_6C4B5FE6EFD29280DA9B2F2D91E18770_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ManagingRisksInherentInServicingAssetsAndServicingLiabilitiesByTypeOfRiskAxis_526851E9BF74ACF10FDB2F2D91E13739" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RisksInherentInServicingAssetsAndServicingLiabilitiesTypeDomain_6C4B5FE6EFD29280DA9B2F2D91E18770_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RisksInherentInServicingAssetsAndServicingLiabilitiesTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RisksInherentInServicingAssetsAndServicingLiabilitiesTypeDomain_6C4B5FE6EFD29280DA9B2F2D91E18770" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ManagingRisksInherentInServicingAssetsAndServicingLiabilitiesByTypeOfRiskAxis_526851E9BF74ACF10FDB2F2D91E13739" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RisksInherentInServicingAssetsAndServicingLiabilitiesTypeDomain_6C4B5FE6EFD29280DA9B2F2D91E18770" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapBuyingProtectionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapBuyingProtectionMember_E51E21CAC65FE3033A192F2D91E10C8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RisksInherentInServicingAssetsAndServicingLiabilitiesTypeDomain_6C4B5FE6EFD29280DA9B2F2D91E18770" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapBuyingProtectionMember_E51E21CAC65FE3033A192F2D91E10C8E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapSellingProtectionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapSellingProtectionMember_BAB73675841ABB25D0002F2D91E1EDBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RisksInherentInServicingAssetsAndServicingLiabilitiesTypeDomain_6C4B5FE6EFD29280DA9B2F2D91E18770" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapSellingProtectionMember_BAB73675841ABB25D0002F2D91E1EDBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_45BD4D2FD5C35DD22CEB2F2D91E14FD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_22D1CB4FEC44157420E02F2D91E12D07" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_45BD4D2FD5C35DD22CEB2F2D91E14FD2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DerivativesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_527F4A7CB29D10FF87E23E458E004655" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_97FDCA581CCD29497CC43E458E004768" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_527F4A7CB29D10FF87E23E458E004655" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_97FDCA581CCD29497CC43E458E004768" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_C6326575D1CE5DEA08C83E458E0027B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_97FDCA581CCD29497CC43E458E004768" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_C6326575D1CE5DEA08C83E458E0027B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_C1263DEB4EB2F1E187B43E458E007F7A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_C6326575D1CE5DEA08C83E458E0027B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_C1263DEB4EB2F1E187B43E458E007F7A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_C1263DEB4EB2F1E187B43E458E007F7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_C6326575D1CE5DEA08C83E458E0027B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_C1263DEB4EB2F1E187B43E458E007F7A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesMember_989758EDBD8B94EA33F53E458E002A51" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_C1263DEB4EB2F1E187B43E458E007F7A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesMember_989758EDBD8B94EA33F53E458E002A51" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_AssetsTransferredToAffiliatesEstimatedFairValue" xlink:label="loc_bhl_AssetsTransferredToAffiliatesEstimatedFairValue_3CACA0F7ABFC803A08703E458E007EC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_527F4A7CB29D10FF87E23E458E004655" xlink:to="loc_bhl_AssetsTransferredToAffiliatesEstimatedFairValue_3CACA0F7ABFC803A08703E458E007EC3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_B2CDC407E015861226353E458E00717D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_527F4A7CB29D10FF87E23E458E004655" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_B2CDC407E015861226353E458E00717D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_80EA138468166251FCC83E458E00B746" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_527F4A7CB29D10FF87E23E458E004655" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_80EA138468166251FCC83E458E00B746" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditDerivativeMaximumExposureUndiscounted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativeMaximumExposureUndiscounted_8C32A43CAE5C909703AC3E458E018379" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_527F4A7CB29D10FF87E23E458E004655" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativeMaximumExposureUndiscounted_8C32A43CAE5C909703AC3E458E018379" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditRiskDerivativeLiabilitiesAtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditRiskDerivativeLiabilitiesAtFairValue_E9FE22ECF35B5643E3213E458E0158DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_527F4A7CB29D10FF87E23E458E004655" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditRiskDerivativeLiabilitiesAtFairValue_E9FE22ECF35B5643E3213E458E0158DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralObligationToReturnCash" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralObligationToReturnCash_02957D7B0B7915BF5E0D3E458E014FEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_527F4A7CB29D10FF87E23E458E004655" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralObligationToReturnCash_02957D7B0B7915BF5E0D3E458E014FEA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralRightToReclaimCash" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralRightToReclaimCash_CB7E8A0EDCC47BC71B0E3E458E0148F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_527F4A7CB29D10FF87E23E458E004655" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralRightToReclaimCash_CB7E8A0EDCC47BC71B0E3E458E0148F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_21523ABF4A1820FDC3443E458E079310" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_F957CC2B32216D8F1BBE3E458E0179AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_21523ABF4A1820FDC3443E458E079310" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_F957CC2B32216D8F1BBE3E458E0179AC" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_6275B473027334F6B2DF3E458E01F64C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_F957CC2B32216D8F1BBE3E458E0179AC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_6275B473027334F6B2DF3E458E01F64C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_432FEDABF7E7D9300D2B3E458E019608_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_6275B473027334F6B2DF3E458E01F64C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_432FEDABF7E7D9300D2B3E458E019608_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_432FEDABF7E7D9300D2B3E458E019608" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_6275B473027334F6B2DF3E458E01F64C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_432FEDABF7E7D9300D2B3E458E019608" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_NonperformanceRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_NonperformanceRiskMember_FC6B3E09250AFA9602DB3E458E014DC2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_432FEDABF7E7D9300D2B3E458E019608" xlink:to="loc_bhl_NonperformanceRiskMember_FC6B3E09250AFA9602DB3E458E014DC2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransactionTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransactionTypeAxis_50BC4A53632A2A73263C3E458E016100" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_F957CC2B32216D8F1BBE3E458E0179AC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransactionTypeAxis_50BC4A53632A2A73263C3E458E016100" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransactionDomain_40FD03923F8149EDE7643E458E0191A8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransactionTypeAxis_50BC4A53632A2A73263C3E458E016100" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransactionDomain_40FD03923F8149EDE7643E458E0191A8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransactionDomain_40FD03923F8149EDE7643E458E0191A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransactionTypeAxis_50BC4A53632A2A73263C3E458E016100" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransactionDomain_40FD03923F8149EDE7643E458E0191A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OverTheCounterMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OverTheCounterMember_E7A89344C37CEFD0D6E03E458E01D560" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransactionDomain_40FD03923F8149EDE7643E458E0191A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OverTheCounterMember_E7A89344C37CEFD0D6E03E458E01D560" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExchangeClearedMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExchangeClearedMember_C3AB462112D1AC9D85233E458E01C704" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransactionDomain_40FD03923F8149EDE7643E458E0191A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExchangeClearedMember_C3AB462112D1AC9D85233E458E01C704" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExchangeTradedMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExchangeTradedMember_D31A28BFB40761E0EE163E458E014610" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransactionDomain_40FD03923F8149EDE7643E458E0191A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExchangeTradedMember_D31A28BFB40761E0EE163E458E014610" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeAxis_089C5824C1907020A7743E458E01C49A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_F957CC2B32216D8F1BBE3E458E0179AC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeAxis_089C5824C1907020A7743E458E01C49A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeDomain_B65ABF0652E46BFE77C53E458E01277A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeAxis_089C5824C1907020A7743E458E01C49A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeDomain_B65ABF0652E46BFE77C53E458E01277A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeDomain_B65ABF0652E46BFE77C53E458E01277A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeAxis_089C5824C1907020A7743E458E01C49A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeDomain_B65ABF0652E46BFE77C53E458E01277A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_DirectAndAssumedGuaranteedMinimumBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_DirectAndAssumedGuaranteedMinimumBenefitMember_5D276E7FF914CB03C96B3E458E073AC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeDomain_B65ABF0652E46BFE77C53E458E01277A" xlink:to="loc_bhl_DirectAndAssumedGuaranteedMinimumBenefitMember_5D276E7FF914CB03C96B3E458E073AC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_CededGuaranteedMinimumBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_CededGuaranteedMinimumBenefitMember_D855F135464075A0BE543E458E079710" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeDomain_B65ABF0652E46BFE77C53E458E01277A" xlink:to="loc_bhl_CededGuaranteedMinimumBenefitMember_D855F135464075A0BE543E458E079710" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet_B18106DAFEFCC65AE1543E458E07A806" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_21523ABF4A1820FDC3443E458E079310" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet_B18106DAFEFCC65AE1543E458E07A806" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralObligationToReturnSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralObligationToReturnSecurities_22335FFD4BD038B4FA0E3E458E072271" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_21523ABF4A1820FDC3443E458E079310" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralObligationToReturnSecurities_22335FFD4BD038B4FA0E3E458E072271" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralRightToReclaimSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralRightToReclaimSecurities_29D4403CB2537EA35CD63E458E07841A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_21523ABF4A1820FDC3443E458E079310" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralRightToReclaimSecurities_29D4403CB2537EA35CD63E458E07841A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DerivativesNetDerivativeGainsLossesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DerivativesPrimaryRisksDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_92949AB571B689C228F22B722A7FFEA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_CB13E55166DF6227EBBE2B722A7D628A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_92949AB571B689C228F22B722A7FFEA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_CB13E55166DF6227EBBE2B722A7D628A" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_6EBB6B6303EEAEB64DD32B722A7DE375" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_CB13E55166DF6227EBBE2B722A7D628A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_6EBB6B6303EEAEB64DD32B722A7DE375" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_DDC9C79C768EAA324AB72B722A7D72A1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_6EBB6B6303EEAEB64DD32B722A7DE375" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_DDC9C79C768EAA324AB72B722A7D72A1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_DDC9C79C768EAA324AB72B722A7D72A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_6EBB6B6303EEAEB64DD32B722A7DE375" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_DDC9C79C768EAA324AB72B722A7D72A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember_40FF3C62C399C44AD08A2B722A7D3C8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_DDC9C79C768EAA324AB72B722A7D72A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember_40FF3C62C399C44AD08A2B722A7D3C8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NondesignatedMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_3F7844890706172075FF2B722A7DBA89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_DDC9C79C768EAA324AB72B722A7D72A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_3F7844890706172075FF2B722A7DBA89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_DerivativeInstrumentsNotionalAmountAssetsLiabilitiesByHedgingRelationshipAxis" xlink:label="loc_bhl_DerivativeInstrumentsNotionalAmountAssetsLiabilitiesByHedgingRelationshipAxis_90D7C95C35319A3554C42B722A7D6B68" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_CB13E55166DF6227EBBE2B722A7D628A" xlink:to="loc_bhl_DerivativeInstrumentsNotionalAmountAssetsLiabilitiesByHedgingRelationshipAxis_90D7C95C35319A3554C42B722A7D6B68" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_F4512F7303517092E5142B722A7EC660_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_bhl_DerivativeInstrumentsNotionalAmountAssetsLiabilitiesByHedgingRelationshipAxis_90D7C95C35319A3554C42B722A7D6B68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_F4512F7303517092E5142B722A7EC660_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_F4512F7303517092E5142B722A7EC660" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_bhl_DerivativeInstrumentsNotionalAmountAssetsLiabilitiesByHedgingRelationshipAxis_90D7C95C35319A3554C42B722A7D6B68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_F4512F7303517092E5142B722A7EC660" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueHedgingMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueHedgingMember_1AEC53AA573BC8E777E42B722A7E363D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_F4512F7303517092E5142B722A7EC660" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueHedgingMember_1AEC53AA573BC8E777E42B722A7E363D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember_8184CF95A15C915164042B722A7EFD0D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_F4512F7303517092E5142B722A7EC660" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember_8184CF95A15C915164042B722A7EFD0D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_297441E6C7EF1DD1414B2B722A7EDE3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_CB13E55166DF6227EBBE2B722A7D628A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_297441E6C7EF1DD1414B2B722A7EDE3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_D4EC1DC85867DF8059632B722A7E2567_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_297441E6C7EF1DD1414B2B722A7EDE3F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_D4EC1DC85867DF8059632B722A7E2567_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_D4EC1DC85867DF8059632B722A7E2567" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_297441E6C7EF1DD1414B2B722A7EDE3F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_D4EC1DC85867DF8059632B722A7E2567" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_C88A58888D83D75EBE672B722A7E1C00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_D4EC1DC85867DF8059632B722A7E2567" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_C88A58888D83D75EBE672B722A7E1C00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateFloorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateFloorMember_193AE56A48AED0E5902A2B722A7E69EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_D4EC1DC85867DF8059632B722A7E2567" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateFloorMember_193AE56A48AED0E5902A2B722A7E69EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateCapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateCapMember_2F4FEBC2C0B5D682044F2B722A7E2D6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_D4EC1DC85867DF8059632B722A7E2567" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateCapMember_2F4FEBC2C0B5D682044F2B722A7E2D6D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_FuturesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_FuturesMember_3F1786105338C19842652B722A7E808C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_D4EC1DC85867DF8059632B722A7E2567" xlink:to="loc_bhl_FuturesMember_3F1786105338C19842652B722A7E808C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwaptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwaptionMember_26CB3E0F2C847445C6B22B722A7EEAC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_D4EC1DC85867DF8059632B722A7E2567" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwaptionMember_26CB3E0F2C847445C6B22B722A7EEAC1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember_14D56FA2734C3FCEC2D22B722A7E63B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_D4EC1DC85867DF8059632B722A7E2567" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember_14D56FA2734C3FCEC2D22B722A7E63B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember_0C44A97D053882811B042B722A7E8537" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_D4EC1DC85867DF8059632B722A7E2567" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember_0C44A97D053882811B042B722A7E8537" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember_A02B7E6B3C3C0F2285D72B722A7E876B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_D4EC1DC85867DF8059632B722A7E2567" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember_A02B7E6B3C3C0F2285D72B722A7E876B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapBuyingProtectionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapBuyingProtectionMember_ED9701FCB9093851555E2B722A7EFB56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_D4EC1DC85867DF8059632B722A7E2567" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapBuyingProtectionMember_ED9701FCB9093851555E2B722A7EFB56" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapSellingProtectionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapSellingProtectionMember_F611F42DE90AC40490A52B722A7E9D57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_D4EC1DC85867DF8059632B722A7E2567" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditDefaultSwapSellingProtectionMember_F611F42DE90AC40490A52B722A7E9D57" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_EquityFuturesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_EquityFuturesMember_07E9CD1DF1DA0C107EE32B722A7FD78E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_D4EC1DC85867DF8059632B722A7E2567" xlink:to="loc_bhl_EquityFuturesMember_07E9CD1DF1DA0C107EE32B722A7FD78E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockOptionMember_51A045E4FE9C88FB1D6E2B722A7F6A77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_D4EC1DC85867DF8059632B722A7E2567" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockOptionMember_51A045E4FE9C88FB1D6E2B722A7F6A77" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VarianceSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VarianceSwapMember_818995FC453C7F5C83A92B722A7F7A33" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_D4EC1DC85867DF8059632B722A7E2567" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VarianceSwapMember_818995FC453C7F5C83A92B722A7F7A33" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember_53AAFBC8155567A1A2EA2B722A7FCCF0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_D4EC1DC85867DF8059632B722A7E2567" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TotalReturnSwapMember_53AAFBC8155567A1A2EA2B722A7FCCF0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_EquityTotalReturnSwapsMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_EquityTotalReturnSwapsMember_6ED6BB17584C95D55B152B722A7FA8D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_D4EC1DC85867DF8059632B722A7E2567" xlink:to="loc_bhl_EquityTotalReturnSwapsMember_6ED6BB17584C95D55B152B722A7FA8D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount" xlink:label="loc_invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount_F15C122D34F1A81ED0D42B722A7F660E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_92949AB571B689C228F22B722A7FFEA9" xlink:to="loc_invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount_F15C122D34F1A81ED0D42B722A7F660E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_ABC3EA37CD3171C9BFEC2B722A7F0AD4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_92949AB571B689C228F22B722A7FFEA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_ABC3EA37CD3171C9BFEC2B722A7F0AD4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_84191B322CD72900626D2B722A7F103B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_92949AB571B689C228F22B722A7FFEA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_84191B322CD72900626D2B722A7F103B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DerivativesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_65700F21ADC7C41F9B4A48A2F01D3710" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_594B946AC72143E45DB748A2F00ECA4A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_65700F21ADC7C41F9B4A48A2F01D3710" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_594B946AC72143E45DB748A2F00ECA4A" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_595C806D91566D6EE5F448A2F00E3E82" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_594B946AC72143E45DB748A2F00ECA4A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_595C806D91566D6EE5F448A2F00E3E82" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_B623B0CBD810DF22E61848A2F01D8CD7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_595C806D91566D6EE5F448A2F00E3E82" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_B623B0CBD810DF22E61848A2F01D8CD7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_B623B0CBD810DF22E61848A2F01D8CD7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_595C806D91566D6EE5F448A2F00E3E82" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_B623B0CBD810DF22E61848A2F01D8CD7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsMember_9397FD74B31910862AEA48A2F01D7C61" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_B623B0CBD810DF22E61848A2F01D8CD7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsMember_9397FD74B31910862AEA48A2F01D7C61" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativesMethodsOfAccountingNonhedgingDerivatives" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesMethodsOfAccountingNonhedgingDerivatives_3C3C1DC8147C341AA7CB490A16B4B43B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_65700F21ADC7C41F9B4A48A2F01D3710" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesMethodsOfAccountingNonhedgingDerivatives_3C3C1DC8147C341AA7CB490A16B4B43B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsGainLossInStatementOfFinancialPerformanceTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsGainLossInStatementOfFinancialPerformanceTextBlock_3964649AC0BBFD80EB2A48A2F01D8C80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_65700F21ADC7C41F9B4A48A2F01D3710" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsGainLossInStatementOfFinancialPerformanceTextBlock_3964649AC0BBFD80EB2A48A2F01D8C80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsTextBlock_DACAD05D513DF6D1B6CD48A2F01D7158" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_65700F21ADC7C41F9B4A48A2F01D3710" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsTextBlock_DACAD05D513DF6D1B6CD48A2F01D7158" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashFlowHedgesIncludedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashFlowHedgesIncludedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock_2B41A9C4F9A89A2E4F1E490A4DEE6925" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_65700F21ADC7C41F9B4A48A2F01D3710" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCashFlowHedgesIncludedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock_2B41A9C4F9A89A2E4F1E490A4DEE6925" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/Equity" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/EquityCapitalContributionsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_ACD64B2D4D48F6C5EE013EC6F0484A29" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_774E270667C8F2829A913EC6F04861D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_ACD64B2D4D48F6C5EE013EC6F0484A29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_774E270667C8F2829A913EC6F04861D8" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_2CA80DD605FE842A1FE53EC6F0486247" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_774E270667C8F2829A913EC6F04861D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_2CA80DD605FE842A1FE53EC6F0486247" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_D792CC5869A04ED27BEC3EC6F0483CFC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_2CA80DD605FE842A1FE53EC6F0486247" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_D792CC5869A04ED27BEC3EC6F0483CFC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_D792CC5869A04ED27BEC3EC6F0483CFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_2CA80DD605FE842A1FE53EC6F0486247" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_D792CC5869A04ED27BEC3EC6F0483CFC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_CashCapitalContributionMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_CashCapitalContributionMember_FFF78BA22875B6AABA283EC6F0486234" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_D792CC5869A04ED27BEC3EC6F0483CFC" xlink:to="loc_bhl_CashCapitalContributionMember_FFF78BA22875B6AABA283EC6F0486234" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_NoncashContributionMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_NoncashContributionMember_CCF935CC5B6895A66E403EC6F048AB74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_D792CC5869A04ED27BEC3EC6F0483CFC" xlink:to="loc_bhl_NoncashContributionMember_CCF935CC5B6895A66E403EC6F048AB74" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalCapitalContribution" xlink:label="loc_bhl_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalCapitalContribution_85945A395B0CB7F5F3C03EC6F04841D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_ACD64B2D4D48F6C5EE013EC6F0484A29" xlink:to="loc_bhl_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalCapitalContribution_85945A395B0CB7F5F3C03EC6F04841D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_AmountofotherincreasedecreaseinadditionalpaidincapitalAPICduetoareturnofcapital" xlink:label="loc_bhl_AmountofotherincreasedecreaseinadditionalpaidincapitalAPICduetoareturnofcapital_C1534BE864B05D8E570C3EC6F04829F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_ACD64B2D4D48F6C5EE013EC6F0484A29" xlink:to="loc_bhl_AmountofotherincreasedecreaseinadditionalpaidincapitalAPICduetoareturnofcapital_C1534BE864B05D8E570C3EC6F04829F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_AdjustmentstoAdditionalPaidinCapitalAccruedCapitalContribution" xlink:label="loc_bhl_AdjustmentstoAdditionalPaidinCapitalAccruedCapitalContribution_B28A83E17B689536F7FB3EC6F0483F21" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_ACD64B2D4D48F6C5EE013EC6F0484A29" xlink:to="loc_bhl_AdjustmentstoAdditionalPaidinCapitalAccruedCapitalContribution_B28A83E17B689536F7FB3EC6F0483F21" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/EquityComponentsOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_ADB9E85AF6F630D1B6A03F8C816C9FD7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_CDB47C48BA2FD0378A7B3F8C816B32D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_ADB9E85AF6F630D1B6A03F8C816C9FD7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_CDB47C48BA2FD0378A7B3F8C816B32D6" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_2083BA78B4C3EC8C744A3F8C816BD1E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_CDB47C48BA2FD0378A7B3F8C816B32D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_2083BA78B4C3EC8C744A3F8C816BD1E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_B1EA3A79EF9743AEC3E53F8C816CF59D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_2083BA78B4C3EC8C744A3F8C816BD1E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_B1EA3A79EF9743AEC3E53F8C816CF59D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_B1EA3A79EF9743AEC3E53F8C816CF59D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_2083BA78B4C3EC8C744A3F8C816BD1E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_B1EA3A79EF9743AEC3E53F8C816CF59D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember_41BD88CA00F437C1AC453F8C816C1D0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_B1EA3A79EF9743AEC3E53F8C816CF59D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember_41BD88CA00F437C1AC453F8C816C1D0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromDesignatedOrQualifyingCashFlowHedgesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromDesignatedOrQualifyingCashFlowHedgesMember_68ED5F6623D0245FE5E63F8C816C20FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_B1EA3A79EF9743AEC3E53F8C816CF59D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromDesignatedOrQualifyingCashFlowHedgesMember_68ED5F6623D0245FE5E63F8C816C20FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember_FE1A4144AE8C96DEE5633F8C816C7D6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_B1EA3A79EF9743AEC3E53F8C816CF59D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember_FE1A4144AE8C96DEE5633F8C816C7D6F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleCumulativeEffectOfChangeOnEquityOrNetAssets1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleCumulativeEffectOfChangeOnEquityOrNetAssets1_2C1FF7AC2B2B02BF5FEC3F8C816CE62D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_ADB9E85AF6F630D1B6A03F8C816C9FD7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleCumulativeEffectOfChangeOnEquityOrNetAssets1_2C1FF7AC2B2B02BF5FEC3F8C816CE62D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_DB2214A11646F265065A3F8C816C7023" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_ADB9E85AF6F630D1B6A03F8C816C9FD7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_DB2214A11646F265065A3F8C816C7023" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsBeforeTax_A88D41333833F4D2F24D3F8C816C6E24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_ADB9E85AF6F630D1B6A03F8C816C9FD7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsBeforeTax_A88D41333833F4D2F24D3F8C816C6E24" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsTax_1F4F081B404E603499FF3F8C816C9F17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_ADB9E85AF6F630D1B6A03F8C816C9FD7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsTax_1F4F081B404E603499FF3F8C816C9F17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax_8F994451C3E8B5FB00D73F8C816CC196" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_ADB9E85AF6F630D1B6A03F8C816C9FD7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax_8F994451C3E8B5FB00D73F8C816CC196" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodBeforeTax_876A68FEF4606FCDFA0F3F8C816C1F3A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_ADB9E85AF6F630D1B6A03F8C816C9FD7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodBeforeTax_876A68FEF4606FCDFA0F3F8C816C1F3A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodTax_85C294216F0E5949909B3F8C816CE694" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_ADB9E85AF6F630D1B6A03F8C816C9FD7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodTax_85C294216F0E5949909B3F8C816CE694" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_68507FA44B9CF9CFE74B3F8C816CC710" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_ADB9E85AF6F630D1B6A03F8C816C9FD7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_68507FA44B9CF9CFE74B3F8C816CC710" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/EquityReclassificationsOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_225157A70CFDC047F3352B7228FE1F51" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_B8D5B9A1183F845F7D422B7228FD6F1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_225157A70CFDC047F3352B7228FE1F51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_B8D5B9A1183F845F7D422B7228FD6F1D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_D534BF29D87F9FB72DD42B7228FDC082" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_B8D5B9A1183F845F7D422B7228FD6F1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_D534BF29D87F9FB72DD42B7228FDC082" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_963363FF0509E16294D42B7228FDBA27_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_D534BF29D87F9FB72DD42B7228FDC082" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_963363FF0509E16294D42B7228FDBA27_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_963363FF0509E16294D42B7228FDBA27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_D534BF29D87F9FB72DD42B7228FDC082" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_963363FF0509E16294D42B7228FDBA27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_2E244BC4208E0EF8AADD2B7228FDFDBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_963363FF0509E16294D42B7228FDBA27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_2E244BC4208E0EF8AADD2B7228FDFDBF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember_BE6255835E2F4A2C41A32B7228FD03CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_963363FF0509E16294D42B7228FDBA27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember_BE6255835E2F4A2C41A32B7228FD03CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember_F621E34363E57F312EF02B7228FEEB26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_963363FF0509E16294D42B7228FDBA27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember_F621E34363E57F312EF02B7228FEEB26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_E62A827F571604EA4ECA2B7228FEA8D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_B8D5B9A1183F845F7D422B7228FD6F1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_E62A827F571604EA4ECA2B7228FEA8D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_14B57C83DC02D6A8C2212B7228FE1DDD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_E62A827F571604EA4ECA2B7228FEA8D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_14B57C83DC02D6A8C2212B7228FE1DDD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_14B57C83DC02D6A8C2212B7228FE1DDD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_E62A827F571604EA4ECA2B7228FEA8D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_14B57C83DC02D6A8C2212B7228FE1DDD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember_F0610E6A45621EDF46F42B7228FED36C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_14B57C83DC02D6A8C2212B7228FE1DDD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember_F0610E6A45621EDF46F42B7228FED36C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromDesignatedOrQualifyingCashFlowHedgesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromDesignatedOrQualifyingCashFlowHedgesMember_4D8E4253A081FC7AC42B2B7228FE72E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_14B57C83DC02D6A8C2212B7228FE1DDD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromDesignatedOrQualifyingCashFlowHedgesMember_4D8E4253A081FC7AC42B2B7228FE72E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_E22782FC32CED18C00BB2B7228FE89DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_B8D5B9A1183F845F7D422B7228FD6F1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_E22782FC32CED18C00BB2B7228FE89DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_D48B3FD5471C58D697212B7228FE7B26_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_E22782FC32CED18C00BB2B7228FE89DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_D48B3FD5471C58D697212B7228FE7B26_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_D48B3FD5471C58D697212B7228FE7B26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_E22782FC32CED18C00BB2B7228FE89DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_D48B3FD5471C58D697212B7228FE7B26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_1CE0275DCDACDE2940C22B7228FEBDA8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_D48B3FD5471C58D697212B7228FE7B26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_1CE0275DCDACDE2940C22B7228FEBDA8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments_6A5580B17B208B1241A12B7228FEE116" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_225157A70CFDC047F3352B7228FE1F51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments_6A5580B17B208B1241A12B7228FEE116" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome_4C3991390A07B9BB78962B7228FED2F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_225157A70CFDC047F3352B7228FE1F51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome_4C3991390A07B9BB78962B7228FED2F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax_8CAFD774FEFDC20BBE272B7228FE71B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_225157A70CFDC047F3352B7228FE1F51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax_8CAFD774FEFDC20BBE272B7228FE71B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_946AF0D3A573588DDE712B7228FEBA94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_225157A70CFDC047F3352B7228FE1F51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_946AF0D3A573588DDE712B7228FEBA94" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_A5B640936564A974FEF92B7228FE4F23" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_225157A70CFDC047F3352B7228FE1F51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_A5B640936564A974FEF92B7228FE4F23" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_0E4DCD461B38D71DC7712B7228FE2AF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_225157A70CFDC047F3352B7228FE1F51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_0E4DCD461B38D71DC7712B7228FE2AF5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/EquityStatutoryEquityIncomeAndDividendRestrictionsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_68F15A87EC529279C7A73F8C81787EA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesTable_77098EEBA7205BE727A13F8C81774665" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_68F15A87EC529279C7A73F8C81787EA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesTable_77098EEBA7205BE727A13F8C81774665" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_EE60B6ECF696178E17583F8C81779618" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesTable_77098EEBA7205BE727A13F8C81774665" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_EE60B6ECF696178E17583F8C81779618" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4DAEE0FB2D57B88B57153F8C8177AD5A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_EE60B6ECF696178E17583F8C81779618" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4DAEE0FB2D57B88B57153F8C8177AD5A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4DAEE0FB2D57B88B57153F8C8177AD5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_EE60B6ECF696178E17583F8C81779618" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4DAEE0FB2D57B88B57153F8C8177AD5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_BrighthouseLifeInsuranceCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_BrighthouseLifeInsuranceCompanyMember_256097D2A51B27B4DD843FB8BFF7EBB1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4DAEE0FB2D57B88B57153F8C8177AD5A" xlink:to="loc_bhl_BrighthouseLifeInsuranceCompanyMember_256097D2A51B27B4DD843FB8BFF7EBB1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_BrighthouseReinsuranceCompanyofDelawareMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_BrighthouseReinsuranceCompanyofDelawareMember_A3B59D6081F8D28403DA3F8C81774B1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4DAEE0FB2D57B88B57153F8C8177AD5A" xlink:to="loc_bhl_BrighthouseReinsuranceCompanyofDelawareMember_A3B59D6081F8D28403DA3F8C81774B1D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_BrighthouseLifeInsuranceCoofNYMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_BrighthouseLifeInsuranceCoofNYMember_06CD4093939C982ABA823F8C81776683" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4DAEE0FB2D57B88B57153F8C8177AD5A" xlink:to="loc_bhl_BrighthouseLifeInsuranceCoofNYMember_06CD4093939C982ABA823F8C81776683" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_MetlifeReinsuranceCompanyofVermontCellMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_MetlifeReinsuranceCompanyofVermontCellMember_0E30611BFD60985C48FC3F8C8177F173" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4DAEE0FB2D57B88B57153F8C8177AD5A" xlink:to="loc_bhl_MetlifeReinsuranceCompanyofVermontCellMember_0E30611BFD60985C48FC3F8C8177F173" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_MetLifeReinsuranceCompanyofDelawareMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_MetLifeReinsuranceCompanyofDelawareMember_8F1D2DD17FE9EF39BA4B3F8C81775F7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4DAEE0FB2D57B88B57153F8C8177AD5A" xlink:to="loc_bhl_MetLifeReinsuranceCompanyofDelawareMember_8F1D2DD17FE9EF39BA4B3F8C81775F7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_DomesticCaptiveLifeReinsuranceSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_DomesticCaptiveLifeReinsuranceSubsidiariesMember_77F3FBBF978D6BABD2253F8C81774314" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4DAEE0FB2D57B88B57153F8C8177AD5A" xlink:to="loc_bhl_DomesticCaptiveLifeReinsuranceSubsidiariesMember_77F3FBBF978D6BABD2253F8C81774314" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_71AFEF6076E525DDB9513F8C8177BAC9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesTable_77098EEBA7205BE727A13F8C81774665" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_71AFEF6076E525DDB9513F8C8177BAC9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_53DCF387D96157E3D6C43F8C8177F5E9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_71AFEF6076E525DDB9513F8C8177BAC9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_53DCF387D96157E3D6C43F8C8177F5E9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_53DCF387D96157E3D6C43F8C8177F5E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_71AFEF6076E525DDB9513F8C8177BAC9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_53DCF387D96157E3D6C43F8C8177F5E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_0747375D0FF36FF6F73D3F8C8178FF48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_53DCF387D96157E3D6C43F8C8177F5E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_0747375D0FF36FF6F73D3F8C8178FF48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_740AE3E75ACF92285B283F8C8178CB75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesTable_77098EEBA7205BE727A13F8C81774665" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_740AE3E75ACF92285B283F8C8178CB75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_C27068FEA0C0200D1F973F8C817897CB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_740AE3E75ACF92285B283F8C8178CB75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_C27068FEA0C0200D1F973F8C817897CB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_C27068FEA0C0200D1F973F8C817897CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_740AE3E75ACF92285B283F8C8178CB75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_C27068FEA0C0200D1F973F8C817897CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember_F3893B26A31C2FEA48E53F8C81782504" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_C27068FEA0C0200D1F973F8C817897CB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember_F3893B26A31C2FEA48E53F8C81782504" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesPrescribedPracticeAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesPrescribedPracticeAmount_D5B9FA2D9D91BC37B0363F8C817857D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_68F15A87EC529279C7A73F8C81787EA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesPrescribedPracticeAmount_D5B9FA2D9D91BC37B0363F8C817857D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DescriptionOfRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderInsuranceRegulations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DescriptionOfRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderInsuranceRegulations_4ECAA1CEB77911BE1B903F8C81781B70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_68F15A87EC529279C7A73F8C81787EA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DescriptionOfRegulatoryCapitalRequirementsUnderInsuranceRegulations_4ECAA1CEB77911BE1B903F8C81781B70" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends_783FCD764B2E96E59A753F8C81782001" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_68F15A87EC529279C7A73F8C81787EA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends_783FCD764B2E96E59A753F8C81782001" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryAmountAvailableForDividendPaymentsWithoutRegulatoryApproval" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryAmountAvailableForDividendPaymentsWithoutRegulatoryApproval_38E567F8EDCE34F8DB103F8C8178D3DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_68F15A87EC529279C7A73F8C81787EA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryAmountAvailableForDividendPaymentsWithoutRegulatoryApproval_38E567F8EDCE34F8DB103F8C8178D3DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryNetIncomeAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryNetIncomeAmount_089268D823033C2F2F0A3F8C8178646F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_68F15A87EC529279C7A73F8C81787EA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryNetIncomeAmount_089268D823033C2F2F0A3F8C8178646F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryCapitalAndSurplusBalance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryCapitalAndSurplusBalance_96E4099EFD714B23D10D3F8C81783817" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_68F15A87EC529279C7A73F8C81787EA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryCapitalAndSurplusBalance_96E4099EFD714B23D10D3F8C81783817" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/EquityStatutoryIncomeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_B3A4FEE8F4FB61138A362B72291C24C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesTable_E8EE57550763CF8D50652B72291666A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_B3A4FEE8F4FB61138A362B72291C24C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesTable_E8EE57550763CF8D50652B72291666A5" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1D7C7DA91A1F3A45B7B72B72291B0E43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesTable_E8EE57550763CF8D50652B72291666A5" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1D7C7DA91A1F3A45B7B72B72291B0E43" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_03647C00156F7CE892772B72291C1616_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1D7C7DA91A1F3A45B7B72B72291B0E43" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_03647C00156F7CE892772B72291C1616_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_03647C00156F7CE892772B72291C1616" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1D7C7DA91A1F3A45B7B72B72291B0E43" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_03647C00156F7CE892772B72291C1616" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_BrighthouseLifeInsuranceCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_BrighthouseLifeInsuranceCompanyMember_4633827E35719155E63B2B72291CC422" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_03647C00156F7CE892772B72291C1616" xlink:to="loc_bhl_BrighthouseLifeInsuranceCompanyMember_4633827E35719155E63B2B72291CC422" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_BrighthouseLifeInsuranceCoofNYMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_BrighthouseLifeInsuranceCoofNYMember_EA45C8429C73335145D32B72291CED2C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_03647C00156F7CE892772B72291C1616" xlink:to="loc_bhl_BrighthouseLifeInsuranceCoofNYMember_EA45C8429C73335145D32B72291CED2C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_67F10950660D55D092CF2B72291C0412" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesTable_E8EE57550763CF8D50652B72291666A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_67F10950660D55D092CF2B72291C0412" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_C3707BA36C333408B4AE2B72291CBDEE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_67F10950660D55D092CF2B72291C0412" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_C3707BA36C333408B4AE2B72291CBDEE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_C3707BA36C333408B4AE2B72291CBDEE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_67F10950660D55D092CF2B72291C0412" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_C3707BA36C333408B4AE2B72291CBDEE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_77C67F446FC8312A28D52B72291C0CD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_C3707BA36C333408B4AE2B72291CBDEE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_77C67F446FC8312A28D52B72291C0CD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryCapitalAndSurplusBalance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryCapitalAndSurplusBalance_228FE761D0E05A52685B2B72291C39F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_B3A4FEE8F4FB61138A362B72291C24C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryCapitalAndSurplusBalance_228FE761D0E05A52685B2B72291C39F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryNetIncomeAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryNetIncomeAmount_3B4E70ACD1C5B2B11B3B2B72291CE7CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_B3A4FEE8F4FB61138A362B72291C24C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryNetIncomeAmount_3B4E70ACD1C5B2B11B3B2B72291CE7CE" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/EquityTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/FairValue" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/FairValueFairValueOptionForCertainAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems_D190102DFABDFA351819300CC6D0568A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable_E2CD25F7B5ADBA2C4538300CC6D0A5C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems_D190102DFABDFA351819300CC6D0568A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable_E2CD25F7B5ADBA2C4538300CC6D0A5C4" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_AA4CB025824048FD8996300CC6D0292D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable_E2CD25F7B5ADBA2C4538300CC6D0A5C4" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_AA4CB025824048FD8996300CC6D0292D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_8A0DFB8E09DDB6F20C28300CC6D04F10_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_AA4CB025824048FD8996300CC6D0292D" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_8A0DFB8E09DDB6F20C28300CC6D04F10_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_8A0DFB8E09DDB6F20C28300CC6D04F10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_AA4CB025824048FD8996300CC6D0292D" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_8A0DFB8E09DDB6F20C28300CC6D04F10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesMember_22351B81F9BB29D458C8300CC6D01396" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_8A0DFB8E09DDB6F20C28300CC6D04F10" xlink:to="loc_bhl_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesMember_22351B81F9BB29D458C8300CC6D01396" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateFaceAmountOfMortgages" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateFaceAmountOfMortgages_709CB36E1099E78F9254300CC6D02079" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems_D190102DFABDFA351819300CC6D0568A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateFaceAmountOfMortgages_709CB36E1099E78F9254300CC6D02079" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOptionAggregateDifferencesLoansAndLongTermReceivables" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionAggregateDifferencesLoansAndLongTermReceivables_EB8828EC07F4C2CA9775300CC6D040E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems_D190102DFABDFA351819300CC6D0568A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionAggregateDifferencesLoansAndLongTermReceivables_EB8828EC07F4C2CA9775300CC6D040E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstate_1B9D9B5ACBF8AF753E88300CC6D18619" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems_D190102DFABDFA351819300CC6D0568A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstate_1B9D9B5ACBF8AF753E88300CC6D18619" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_09341F7041349900221D300CC6D129ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems_D190102DFABDFA351819300CC6D0568A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_09341F7041349900221D300CC6D129ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOptionAggregateDifferencesLongTermDebtInstruments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionAggregateDifferencesLongTermDebtInstruments_D9E618924C389C63E2C0300CC6D1F26F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems_D190102DFABDFA351819300CC6D0568A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionAggregateDifferencesLongTermDebtInstruments_D9E618924C389C63E2C0300CC6D1F26F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_28C3DF5486E83EAB2AAA300CC6D1B507" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems_D190102DFABDFA351819300CC6D0568A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_28C3DF5486E83EAB2AAA300CC6D1B507" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/FairValueFinancialInstrumentsCarriedAtOtherThanFairValueDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_501CE01B7B14EE61A18E2B7229A86D9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_C218F7E03158A59DEA432B7229A11B7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_501CE01B7B14EE61A18E2B7229A86D9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_C218F7E03158A59DEA432B7229A11B7D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_26AABA8E9B89AB22B9912B7229A1E5A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_C218F7E03158A59DEA432B7229A11B7D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_26AABA8E9B89AB22B9912B7229A1E5A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_AC61348379C86E70FD652B7229A218FA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_26AABA8E9B89AB22B9912B7229A1E5A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_AC61348379C86E70FD652B7229A218FA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_E12043E0427D25720B1C2B7229A1B6FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_26AABA8E9B89AB22B9912B7229A1E5A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_E12043E0427D25720B1C2B7229A1B6FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_AC61348379C86E70FD652B7229A218FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_E12043E0427D25720B1C2B7229A1B6FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_AC61348379C86E70FD652B7229A218FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_1234D2DD6CA7282A49B42B7229A2AFEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_E12043E0427D25720B1C2B7229A1B6FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_1234D2DD6CA7282A49B42B7229A2AFEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_496F474EEC1A0EEF55872B7229A2CACB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_E12043E0427D25720B1C2B7229A1B6FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_496F474EEC1A0EEF55872B7229A2CACB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_0A6A3EC6B1C2E1131FA92B7229A25B2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_C218F7E03158A59DEA432B7229A11B7D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_0A6A3EC6B1C2E1131FA92B7229A25B2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_7804984B5B1DD9DD008D2B7229A26942_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_0A6A3EC6B1C2E1131FA92B7229A25B2F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_7804984B5B1DD9DD008D2B7229A26942_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_7804984B5B1DD9DD008D2B7229A26942" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_0A6A3EC6B1C2E1131FA92B7229A25B2F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_7804984B5B1DD9DD008D2B7229A26942" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_FD0EDBBF5912D26CFA5F2B7229A2BD05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_7804984B5B1DD9DD008D2B7229A26942" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_FD0EDBBF5912D26CFA5F2B7229A2BD05" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_4882358F53DC09B08CAC2B7229A248C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_7804984B5B1DD9DD008D2B7229A26942" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_4882358F53DC09B08CAC2B7229A248C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_A0A3FA063B1C955D54B02B7229A71728" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_7804984B5B1DD9DD008D2B7229A26942" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_A0A3FA063B1C955D54B02B7229A71728" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_EC37337757D33856EA182B7229A8327D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_501CE01B7B14EE61A18E2B7229A86D9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_EC37337757D33856EA182B7229A8327D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_FairValueMortgageLoansNetNotOnRecurringBasis" xlink:label="loc_bhl_FairValueMortgageLoansNetNotOnRecurringBasis_31A159A78AE1E6311B782B7229A83D46" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_EC37337757D33856EA182B7229A8327D" xlink:to="loc_bhl_FairValueMortgageLoansNetNotOnRecurringBasis_31A159A78AE1E6311B782B7229A83D46" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansInsurancePolicy" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsurancePolicy_3C8ECDE884953F4B8F8F2B7229A89A39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_EC37337757D33856EA182B7229A8327D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsurancePolicy_3C8ECDE884953F4B8F8F2B7229A89A39" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentsJointVentures" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentsJointVentures_639B1D2ACC9AA7FFEC522B7229A80D03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_EC37337757D33856EA182B7229A8327D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentsJointVentures_639B1D2ACC9AA7FFEC522B7229A80D03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_OtherLimitedPartnershipInterestsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_bhl_OtherLimitedPartnershipInterestsFairValueDisclosure_13405411E79632FD96AF2B7229A833D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_EC37337757D33856EA182B7229A8327D" xlink:to="loc_bhl_OtherLimitedPartnershipInterestsFairValueDisclosure_13405411E79632FD96AF2B7229A833D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableRelatedParties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableRelatedParties_3493F6295C89A0C15F422B7229A8DC23" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_EC37337757D33856EA182B7229A8327D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableRelatedParties_3493F6295C89A0C15F422B7229A8DC23" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivablesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReceivablesFairValueDisclosure_6EE07967E1BB2F7A1EEF2B7229A8777E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_EC37337757D33856EA182B7229A8327D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReceivablesFairValueDisclosure_6EE07967E1BB2F7A1EEF2B7229A8777E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_F0A45980D97BCFEB4AAA2B7229A831F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_501CE01B7B14EE61A18E2B7229A86D9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_F0A45980D97BCFEB4AAA2B7229A831F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_PolicyholderContractDepositsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_bhl_PolicyholderContractDepositsFairValueDisclosure_2ECA25E846BCD0E6B0122B7229A8B736" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_F0A45980D97BCFEB4AAA2B7229A831F0" xlink:to="loc_bhl_PolicyholderContractDepositsFairValueDisclosure_2ECA25E846BCD0E6B0122B7229A8B736" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_6F735849EDD9B75D8DE72B7229A87344" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_F0A45980D97BCFEB4AAA2B7229A831F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_6F735849EDD9B75D8DE72B7229A87344" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_366E6611D4A8F1C5D5AE2B7229A8CC2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_F0A45980D97BCFEB4AAA2B7229A831F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_366E6611D4A8F1C5D5AE2B7229A8CC2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeparateAccountsLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountsLiability_57D2B1A59B293CBB44312B7229A86EB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_F0A45980D97BCFEB4AAA2B7229A831F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountsLiability_57D2B1A59B293CBB44312B7229A86EB8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/FairValueQuantitativeInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationLineItems_4874000ABABB966047702F2E8D6F91FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationTable_26BDAD10334567C61F3D2F2E8D6CBD48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationLineItems_4874000ABABB966047702F2E8D6F91FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationTable_26BDAD10334567C61F3D2F2E8D6CBD48" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_2BA9CA8DD56125F233592F2E8D6C8881" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationTable_26BDAD10334567C61F3D2F2E8D6CBD48" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_2BA9CA8DD56125F233592F2E8D6C8881" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_26A9DF2A0EA0073D765B2F2E8D6CA8D6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_2BA9CA8DD56125F233592F2E8D6C8881" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_26A9DF2A0EA0073D765B2F2E8D6CA8D6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_26A9DF2A0EA0073D765B2F2E8D6CA8D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_2BA9CA8DD56125F233592F2E8D6C8881" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_26A9DF2A0EA0073D765B2F2E8D6CA8D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_E02243F47C59298EB4332F2E8D6CE885" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_26A9DF2A0EA0073D765B2F2E8D6CA8D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_E02243F47C59298EB4332F2E8D6CE885" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_49DF8D60A9D33D3CF7A82F2E8D6D2EBB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_26A9DF2A0EA0073D765B2F2E8D6CA8D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_49DF8D60A9D33D3CF7A82F2E8D6D2EBB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_182B7D99ED42CC0A1D2E2F2E8D6D8399" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_26A9DF2A0EA0073D765B2F2E8D6CA8D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_182B7D99ED42CC0A1D2E2F2E8D6D8399" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_796C7AD11B0A09FB5A7D2F2E8D6DB6AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationTable_26BDAD10334567C61F3D2F2E8D6CBD48" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_796C7AD11B0A09FB5A7D2F2E8D6DB6AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_27FDEA41D3187D67DE402F2E8D6D391F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_796C7AD11B0A09FB5A7D2F2E8D6DB6AC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_27FDEA41D3187D67DE402F2E8D6D391F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_27FDEA41D3187D67DE402F2E8D6D391F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_796C7AD11B0A09FB5A7D2F2E8D6DB6AC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_27FDEA41D3187D67DE402F2E8D6D391F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember_EC62D96876246899DCA92F2E8D6D4CB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_27FDEA41D3187D67DE402F2E8D6D391F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember_EC62D96876246899DCA92F2E8D6D4CB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditRiskContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditRiskContractMember_0B59C5DF778CB01FA2792F2E8D6D9BEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_27FDEA41D3187D67DE402F2E8D6D391F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditRiskContractMember_0B59C5DF778CB01FA2792F2E8D6D9BEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityContractMember_09A71C2D32B57DE4FA522F2E8D6D5A0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_27FDEA41D3187D67DE402F2E8D6D391F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityContractMember_09A71C2D32B57DE4FA522F2E8D6D5A0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsMember_6EC61761037C34964B082F2E8D6D2644" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_27FDEA41D3187D67DE402F2E8D6D391F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsMember_6EC61761037C34964B082F2E8D6D2644" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_4677AB4A15E8D2D1B6492F2E8D6DC9DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationTable_26BDAD10334567C61F3D2F2E8D6CBD48" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_4677AB4A15E8D2D1B6492F2E8D6DC9DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_467410387619DB2DA59D2F2E8D6D7D4C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_4677AB4A15E8D2D1B6492F2E8D6DC9DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_467410387619DB2DA59D2F2E8D6D7D4C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_467410387619DB2DA59D2F2E8D6D7D4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_4677AB4A15E8D2D1B6492F2E8D6DC9DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_467410387619DB2DA59D2F2E8D6D7D4C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_7098235250975AA99C1F2F2E8D6D7666" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_467410387619DB2DA59D2F2E8D6D7D4C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_7098235250975AA99C1F2F2E8D6D7666" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_0BC97736EACCF6EF91732F2E8D6E104C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_467410387619DB2DA59D2F2E8D6D7D4C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_0BC97736EACCF6EF91732F2E8D6E104C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember_88E9423BCA0CF225B69C2F2E8D6E8E2B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_467410387619DB2DA59D2F2E8D6D7D4C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember_88E9423BCA0CF225B69C2F2E8D6E8E2B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis_49C8EA946A07BE6283D82F2E8D6EE29A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationTable_26BDAD10334567C61F3D2F2E8D6CBD48" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis_49C8EA946A07BE6283D82F2E8D6EE29A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_B9DB5E865B2D5580E2502F2E8D6E2F26_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis_49C8EA946A07BE6283D82F2E8D6EE29A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_B9DB5E865B2D5580E2502F2E8D6E2F26_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_B9DB5E865B2D5580E2502F2E8D6E2F26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis_49C8EA946A07BE6283D82F2E8D6EE29A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_B9DB5E865B2D5580E2502F2E8D6E2F26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember_5F6DEE414FA47C2923202F2E8D6EA3C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_B9DB5E865B2D5580E2502F2E8D6E2F26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember_5F6DEE414FA47C2923202F2E8D6EA3C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember_9B260CAE0EB4F18DA4532F2E8D6E43FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_B9DB5E865B2D5580E2502F2E8D6E2F26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember_9B260CAE0EB4F18DA4532F2E8D6E43FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_MortalityRatesRangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_bhl_MortalityRatesRangeAxis_9C05D2A25A115217F40D2F2E8D6E3BA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationTable_26BDAD10334567C61F3D2F2E8D6CBD48" xlink:to="loc_bhl_MortalityRatesRangeAxis_9C05D2A25A115217F40D2F2E8D6E3BA5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_MortalityRatesRangeDomain" xlink:label="loc_bhl_MortalityRatesRangeDomain_01C158C1FD3E2DC492272F2E8D6E8670_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_bhl_MortalityRatesRangeAxis_9C05D2A25A115217F40D2F2E8D6E3BA5" xlink:to="loc_bhl_MortalityRatesRangeDomain_01C158C1FD3E2DC492272F2E8D6E8670_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_MortalityRatesRangeDomain" xlink:label="loc_bhl_MortalityRatesRangeDomain_01C158C1FD3E2DC492272F2E8D6E8670" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_bhl_MortalityRatesRangeAxis_9C05D2A25A115217F40D2F2E8D6E3BA5" xlink:to="loc_bhl_MortalityRatesRangeDomain_01C158C1FD3E2DC492272F2E8D6E8670" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_MortalityRatesRangeOneMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_MortalityRatesRangeOneMember_77CC70106FFC6E22624C2F2E8D6F1A23" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_MortalityRatesRangeDomain_01C158C1FD3E2DC492272F2E8D6E8670" xlink:to="loc_bhl_MortalityRatesRangeOneMember_77CC70106FFC6E22624C2F2E8D6F1A23" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_MortalityRatesRangeTwoMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_MortalityRatesRangeTwoMember_02C8F2AF79CD196DB9A92F2E8D6F52F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_MortalityRatesRangeDomain_01C158C1FD3E2DC492272F2E8D6E8670" xlink:to="loc_bhl_MortalityRatesRangeTwoMember_02C8F2AF79CD196DB9A92F2E8D6F52F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_MortalityRatesRangeThreeMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_MortalityRatesRangeThreeMember_CF201808E5BF841700C02F2E8D6F6D7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_MortalityRatesRangeDomain_01C158C1FD3E2DC492272F2E8D6E8670" xlink:to="loc_bhl_MortalityRatesRangeThreeMember_CF201808E5BF841700C02F2E8D6F6D7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_LapseRatesDurationRangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_bhl_LapseRatesDurationRangeAxis_7242E5C80B0C7488FC762F2E8D6F2EDA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationTable_26BDAD10334567C61F3D2F2E8D6CBD48" xlink:to="loc_bhl_LapseRatesDurationRangeAxis_7242E5C80B0C7488FC762F2E8D6F2EDA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_LapseRatesDurationRangeDomain" xlink:label="loc_bhl_LapseRatesDurationRangeDomain_B7F0119F539BC918F4882F2E8D6F8A36_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_bhl_LapseRatesDurationRangeAxis_7242E5C80B0C7488FC762F2E8D6F2EDA" xlink:to="loc_bhl_LapseRatesDurationRangeDomain_B7F0119F539BC918F4882F2E8D6F8A36_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_LapseRatesDurationRangeDomain" xlink:label="loc_bhl_LapseRatesDurationRangeDomain_B7F0119F539BC918F4882F2E8D6F8A36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_bhl_LapseRatesDurationRangeAxis_7242E5C80B0C7488FC762F2E8D6F2EDA" xlink:to="loc_bhl_LapseRatesDurationRangeDomain_B7F0119F539BC918F4882F2E8D6F8A36" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_LapseRatesDurationRangeOneMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_LapseRatesDurationRangeOneMember_805F0D0EAB8ED83D938B2F2E8D6F70E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_LapseRatesDurationRangeDomain_B7F0119F539BC918F4882F2E8D6F8A36" xlink:to="loc_bhl_LapseRatesDurationRangeOneMember_805F0D0EAB8ED83D938B2F2E8D6F70E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_LapseRatesDurationRangeTwoMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_LapseRatesDurationRangeTwoMember_E9054C5D57FD255D48BB2F2E8D6F38FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_LapseRatesDurationRangeDomain_B7F0119F539BC918F4882F2E8D6F8A36" xlink:to="loc_bhl_LapseRatesDurationRangeTwoMember_E9054C5D57FD255D48BB2F2E8D6F38FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_LapseRatesDurationRangeThreeMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_LapseRatesDurationRangeThreeMember_E99D3FBEC85E8E14C3F22F2E8D6F9CB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_LapseRatesDurationRangeDomain_B7F0119F539BC918F4882F2E8D6F8A36" xlink:to="loc_bhl_LapseRatesDurationRangeThreeMember_E99D3FBEC85E8E14C3F22F2E8D6F9CB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_FairValueInputsOfferedQuotesMatrixPricing" xlink:label="loc_bhl_FairValueInputsOfferedQuotesMatrixPricing_96D8A05AE270AD594CD92F2E8D70FB34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationLineItems_4874000ABABB966047702F2E8D6F91FA" xlink:to="loc_bhl_FairValueInputsOfferedQuotesMatrixPricing_96D8A05AE270AD594CD92F2E8D70FB34" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsOfferedQuotes" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsOfferedQuotes_0E7564C39003C1CD4E3B2F2E8D705320" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationLineItems_4874000ABABB966047702F2E8D6F91FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsOfferedQuotes_0E7564C39003C1CD4E3B2F2E8D705320" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_FairValueInputsQuotedPrices" xlink:label="loc_bhl_FairValueInputsQuotedPrices_7178ECA2163DC21D5BDF2F2E8D7042CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationLineItems_4874000ABABB966047702F2E8D6F91FA" xlink:to="loc_bhl_FairValueInputsQuotedPrices_7178ECA2163DC21D5BDF2F2E8D7042CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_FairValueInputsRepurchaseRate" xlink:label="loc_bhl_FairValueInputsRepurchaseRate_DC020A9C14D5908FBC5B2F2E8D70E06D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationLineItems_4874000ABABB966047702F2E8D6F91FA" xlink:to="loc_bhl_FairValueInputsRepurchaseRate_DC020A9C14D5908FBC5B2F2E8D70E06D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsEntityCreditRisk" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsEntityCreditRisk_EF1CFEA6C0234401A4452F2E8D708571" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationLineItems_4874000ABABB966047702F2E8D6F91FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsEntityCreditRisk_EF1CFEA6C0234401A4452F2E8D708571" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_FairValueInputsCorrelation" xlink:label="loc_bhl_FairValueInputsCorrelation_7A1F111A02D390A7F62A2F2E8D702271" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationLineItems_4874000ABABB966047702F2E8D6F91FA" xlink:to="loc_bhl_FairValueInputsCorrelation_7A1F111A02D390A7F62A2F2E8D702271" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_B2115632398FC0F7942B2F2E8D70DAE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationLineItems_4874000ABABB966047702F2E8D6F91FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_B2115632398FC0F7942B2F2E8D70DAE8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRate_BCBC2817E8387274BFE62F2E8D707E76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationLineItems_4874000ABABB966047702F2E8D6F91FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeMortalityRate_BCBC2817E8387274BFE62F2E8D707E76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRate_E7390472B16BBEE954932F2E8D706B97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationLineItems_4874000ABABB966047702F2E8D6F91FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongDurationContractsAssumptionsByProductAndGuaranteeLapseRate_E7390472B16BBEE954932F2E8D706B97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_FairValueInputsUtilizationRates" xlink:label="loc_bhl_FairValueInputsUtilizationRates_E0E3A85E059A2AB46D1F2F2E8D70C1AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationLineItems_4874000ABABB966047702F2E8D6F91FA" xlink:to="loc_bhl_FairValueInputsUtilizationRates_E0E3A85E059A2AB46D1F2F2E8D70C1AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_FairValueInputsWithdrawalRates" xlink:label="loc_bhl_FairValueInputsWithdrawalRates_8E89682521A249A81F212F2E8D716372" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationLineItems_4874000ABABB966047702F2E8D6F91FA" xlink:to="loc_bhl_FairValueInputsWithdrawalRates_8E89682521A249A81F212F2E8D716372" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_FairValueInputsLongTermEquityVolatilities" xlink:label="loc_bhl_FairValueInputsLongTermEquityVolatilities_F4B73552DE4BC7649F5A2F2E8D710AA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationLineItems_4874000ABABB966047702F2E8D6F91FA" xlink:to="loc_bhl_FairValueInputsLongTermEquityVolatilities_F4B73552DE4BC7649F5A2F2E8D710AA1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsCounterpartyCreditRisk" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsCounterpartyCreditRisk_E83EB450400CECBD55DA2F2E8D71EC41" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationLineItems_4874000ABABB966047702F2E8D6F91FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsCounterpartyCreditRisk_E83EB450400CECBD55DA2F2E8D71EC41" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/FairValueRecurringFairValueMeasurementsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_946FA26BDAD2E3DDCB3248A2EE68337F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_819A56F9B9DF33D2590F48A2EE681327" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_946FA26BDAD2E3DDCB3248A2EE68337F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_819A56F9B9DF33D2590F48A2EE681327" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_2D8686AD5E57C18C663D48A2EE68069C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_819A56F9B9DF33D2590F48A2EE681327" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_2D8686AD5E57C18C663D48A2EE68069C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_F360F91DDD84913A531248A2EE68AFC9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_2D8686AD5E57C18C663D48A2EE68069C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_F360F91DDD84913A531248A2EE68AFC9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_F360F91DDD84913A531248A2EE68AFC9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_2D8686AD5E57C18C663D48A2EE68069C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_F360F91DDD84913A531248A2EE68AFC9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_A896DA3D4BFDC284D24548A2EE682EF3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_F360F91DDD84913A531248A2EE68AFC9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_A896DA3D4BFDC284D24548A2EE682EF3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_628A4DAEC27A4B5A17D548A2EE685186" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_819A56F9B9DF33D2590F48A2EE681327" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_628A4DAEC27A4B5A17D548A2EE685186" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2B9B22368A216A2412E648A2EE688731_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_628A4DAEC27A4B5A17D548A2EE685186" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2B9B22368A216A2412E648A2EE688731_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2B9B22368A216A2412E648A2EE688731" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_628A4DAEC27A4B5A17D548A2EE685186" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2B9B22368A216A2412E648A2EE688731" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_B743C70E450EA891F48448A2EE68C049" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2B9B22368A216A2412E648A2EE688731" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_B743C70E450EA891F48448A2EE68C049" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_FC1F554D2E1E044CE37C48A2EE68C0C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2B9B22368A216A2412E648A2EE688731" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_FC1F554D2E1E044CE37C48A2EE68C0C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_006EF2FA4F388409881648A2EE6855F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2B9B22368A216A2412E648A2EE688731" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_006EF2FA4F388409881648A2EE6855F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_56ABBD6FBD1F070273CB48A2EE68B0BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_819A56F9B9DF33D2590F48A2EE681327" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_56ABBD6FBD1F070273CB48A2EE68B0BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_1C7FD34668CB2028A48248A2EE682D73_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_56ABBD6FBD1F070273CB48A2EE68B0BC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_1C7FD34668CB2028A48248A2EE682D73_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_1C7FD34668CB2028A48248A2EE682D73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_56ABBD6FBD1F070273CB48A2EE68B0BC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_1C7FD34668CB2028A48248A2EE682D73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_E5B7E03C496DB00B1BF448A2EE68E269" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_1C7FD34668CB2028A48248A2EE682D73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_E5B7E03C496DB00B1BF448A2EE68E269" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember_CD0B7B67F7AEC162695648A2EE680793" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_1C7FD34668CB2028A48248A2EE682D73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember_CD0B7B67F7AEC162695648A2EE680793" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_1ED4AE0FB8A2686F1C3E48A2EE68FA65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_1C7FD34668CB2028A48248A2EE682D73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_1ED4AE0FB8A2686F1C3E48A2EE68FA65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_D7B7C1833C1AD3EF1C9848A2EE6822FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_1C7FD34668CB2028A48248A2EE682D73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_D7B7C1833C1AD3EF1C9848A2EE6822FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_EB12A25B0AEDE06D41B448A2EE688D5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_1C7FD34668CB2028A48248A2EE682D73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_EB12A25B0AEDE06D41B448A2EE688D5E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_0D9E084D533417364B1548A2EE680105" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_1C7FD34668CB2028A48248A2EE682D73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_0D9E084D533417364B1548A2EE680105" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_8F664110D3C3D536468F48A2EE680C09" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_1C7FD34668CB2028A48248A2EE682D73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_8F664110D3C3D536468F48A2EE680C09" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_B3A15E08E5414B995D2C48A2EE689E4A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_1C7FD34668CB2028A48248A2EE682D73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_B3A15E08E5414B995D2C48A2EE689E4A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_0EEAB07F0710F132F2C648A2EE68CFD7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_819A56F9B9DF33D2590F48A2EE681327" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_0EEAB07F0710F132F2C648A2EE68CFD7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_42398975F5C33F91AB9E48A2EE68A544_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_0EEAB07F0710F132F2C648A2EE68CFD7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_42398975F5C33F91AB9E48A2EE68A544_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_42398975F5C33F91AB9E48A2EE68A544" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_0EEAB07F0710F132F2C648A2EE68CFD7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_42398975F5C33F91AB9E48A2EE68A544" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember_7BEA0B0CBF31D2B4641448A2EE680B23" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_42398975F5C33F91AB9E48A2EE68A544" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember_7BEA0B0CBF31D2B4641448A2EE680B23" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember_B58462E6C418452A046748A2EE6818FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_42398975F5C33F91AB9E48A2EE68A544" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember_B58462E6C418452A046748A2EE6818FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditRiskContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditRiskContractMember_6A51508981D12086B8B148A2EE686DDA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_42398975F5C33F91AB9E48A2EE68A544" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditRiskContractMember_6A51508981D12086B8B148A2EE686DDA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityContractMember_02BD3C80540EB09BBA3348A2EE686FC0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_42398975F5C33F91AB9E48A2EE68A544" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityContractMember_02BD3C80540EB09BBA3348A2EE686FC0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_30657613F99DA63E05AC48A2EE684865" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_819A56F9B9DF33D2590F48A2EE681327" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_30657613F99DA63E05AC48A2EE684865" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_76886CA211DEC34CB4C648A2EE68A28F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_30657613F99DA63E05AC48A2EE684865" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_76886CA211DEC34CB4C648A2EE68A28F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_76886CA211DEC34CB4C648A2EE68A28F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_30657613F99DA63E05AC48A2EE684865" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_76886CA211DEC34CB4C648A2EE68A28F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesMember_52BF93E6E03FA5A1064148A2EE682F91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_76886CA211DEC34CB4C648A2EE68A28F" xlink:to="loc_bhl_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesMember_52BF93E6E03FA5A1064148A2EE682F91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_D0DCB73186C0EE332F7248A2EE6899C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_946FA26BDAD2E3DDCB3248A2EE68337F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_D0DCB73186C0EE332F7248A2EE6899C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_099800113911A1C087A348A2EE688473" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_D0DCB73186C0EE332F7248A2EE6899C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_099800113911A1C087A348A2EE688473" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecurities_2E69F4F25AF5FA80453848A2EE681F24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_D0DCB73186C0EE332F7248A2EE6899C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecurities_2E69F4F25AF5FA80453848A2EE681F24" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments_32E1EE0670D22ABB7CF648A2EE68EFEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_D0DCB73186C0EE332F7248A2EE6899C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments_32E1EE0670D22ABB7CF648A2EE68EFEA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstate_FA8E0920022E63482A4548A2EE68BA8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_D0DCB73186C0EE332F7248A2EE6899C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstate_FA8E0920022E63482A4548A2EE68BA8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_98A2460117FF194F161048A2EE68E103" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_D0DCB73186C0EE332F7248A2EE6899C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_98A2460117FF194F161048A2EE68E103" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeAsset_EE06D71DBEEE0099841948A2EE6876F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_D0DCB73186C0EE332F7248A2EE6899C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeAsset_EE06D71DBEEE0099841948A2EE6876F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssets_01618608AFFDF0B0E2C848A2EE68133F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_D0DCB73186C0EE332F7248A2EE6899C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssets_01618608AFFDF0B0E2C848A2EE68133F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_3CEBD727572992E2030B48A2EE680852" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_D0DCB73186C0EE332F7248A2EE6899C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_3CEBD727572992E2030B48A2EE680852" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_6A10C2276C667C5AAA1348A2EE68F804" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_946FA26BDAD2E3DDCB3248A2EE68337F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_6A10C2276C667C5AAA1348A2EE68F804" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_1F0B3A881E5646AE7EBD48A2EE683095" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_6A10C2276C667C5AAA1348A2EE68F804" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_1F0B3A881E5646AE7EBD48A2EE683095" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeLiability_2D3FEAA09DE34B28B16E48A2EE68DA07" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_6A10C2276C667C5AAA1348A2EE68F804" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeLiability_2D3FEAA09DE34B28B16E48A2EE68DA07" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_E52CBD3FCED99FEF894948A2EE68F168" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_6A10C2276C667C5AAA1348A2EE68F804" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_E52CBD3FCED99FEF894948A2EE68F168" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_C3FCD17E2546E22F3E6748A2EE6869E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_6A10C2276C667C5AAA1348A2EE68F804" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_C3FCD17E2546E22F3E6748A2EE6869E0" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/FairValueRecurringFairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_A354D2B92E51936C94942B722991B729" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_B19951F72A2808FC42AB2B7229913476" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_A354D2B92E51936C94942B722991B729" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_B19951F72A2808FC42AB2B7229913476" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_67358403BF9C18E264BA2B722991F58C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_B19951F72A2808FC42AB2B7229913476" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_67358403BF9C18E264BA2B722991F58C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_7BFE60E549D624D8F23B2B7229912332_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_67358403BF9C18E264BA2B722991F58C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_7BFE60E549D624D8F23B2B7229912332_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_7BFE60E549D624D8F23B2B7229912332" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_67358403BF9C18E264BA2B722991F58C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_7BFE60E549D624D8F23B2B7229912332" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_666FFFAAFC9E8175B3AF2B722991B34C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_7BFE60E549D624D8F23B2B7229912332" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_666FFFAAFC9E8175B3AF2B722991B34C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_F628FBE53B81F71045212B722991D8B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_B19951F72A2808FC42AB2B7229913476" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_F628FBE53B81F71045212B722991D8B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_8BFB8A24CCB6773357672B72299144E6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_F628FBE53B81F71045212B722991D8B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_8BFB8A24CCB6773357672B72299144E6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_8BFB8A24CCB6773357672B72299144E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_F628FBE53B81F71045212B722991D8B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_8BFB8A24CCB6773357672B72299144E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsMember_97EA31096A130F6B3A292B722991187D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_8BFB8A24CCB6773357672B72299144E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsMember_97EA31096A130F6B3A292B722991187D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeNet_C054BB4F5C6AB0FEB05D2B72299251E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_A354D2B92E51936C94942B722991B729" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeNet_C054BB4F5C6AB0FEB05D2B72299251E5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/FairValueTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/FairValueUnobservableInputReconciliationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_EA2719E743732C81760140C65F60648D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_82678CF8A576AB32709D40C65F5F6646" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_EA2719E743732C81760140C65F60648D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_82678CF8A576AB32709D40C65F5F6646" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_34AE172139D0063947C340C65F5F4442" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_82678CF8A576AB32709D40C65F5F6646" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_34AE172139D0063947C340C65F5F4442" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_FB38FA7D5F9C4E7878E140C65F5FE413_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_34AE172139D0063947C340C65F5F4442" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_FB38FA7D5F9C4E7878E140C65F5FE413_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_FB38FA7D5F9C4E7878E140C65F5FE413" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_34AE172139D0063947C340C65F5F4442" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_FB38FA7D5F9C4E7878E140C65F5FE413" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_77D95A07C5100E63D8B040C65F5FD84B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_FB38FA7D5F9C4E7878E140C65F5FE413" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_77D95A07C5100E63D8B040C65F5FD84B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_StructuredSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_StructuredSecuritiesMember_FEB9F173535CDCF090F040C65F5F37C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_FB38FA7D5F9C4E7878E140C65F5FE413" xlink:to="loc_bhl_StructuredSecuritiesMember_FEB9F173535CDCF090F040C65F5F37C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_88918ABEB83A5E0AC2BD40C65F5FF6ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_FB38FA7D5F9C4E7878E140C65F5FE413" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_88918ABEB83A5E0AC2BD40C65F5FF6ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_20D98CDC46BDA462A80C40C65F5F7C81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_FB38FA7D5F9C4E7878E140C65F5FE413" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_20D98CDC46BDA462A80C40C65F5F7C81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_670A1FB0259D7CEAF75140C65F5FE289" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_FB38FA7D5F9C4E7878E140C65F5FE413" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_670A1FB0259D7CEAF75140C65F5FE289" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_7E3720544C5145BD177340C65F5FC68B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_FB38FA7D5F9C4E7878E140C65F5FE413" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_7E3720544C5145BD177340C65F5FC68B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_SeparateAccountAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_SeparateAccountAssetsMember_65244B3F6520EF6296CE40C65F5F9B39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_FB38FA7D5F9C4E7878E140C65F5FE413" xlink:to="loc_bhl_SeparateAccountAssetsMember_65244B3F6520EF6296CE40C65F5F9B39" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_D6195FBBA7D90FEDA86340C65F5F895A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_82678CF8A576AB32709D40C65F5F6646" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_D6195FBBA7D90FEDA86340C65F5F895A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_69E2659ABB4E53B4F88040C65F5FF25A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_D6195FBBA7D90FEDA86340C65F5F895A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_69E2659ABB4E53B4F88040C65F5FF25A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_69E2659ABB4E53B4F88040C65F5FF25A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_D6195FBBA7D90FEDA86340C65F5F895A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_69E2659ABB4E53B4F88040C65F5FF25A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_NetDerivativesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_NetDerivativesMember_50443B2EE2E500228CF040C65F5F65B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_69E2659ABB4E53B4F88040C65F5FF25A" xlink:to="loc_bhl_NetDerivativesMember_50443B2EE2E500228CF040C65F5F65B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsMember_E544F714C9B119958A4D40C65F60006F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_69E2659ABB4E53B4F88040C65F5FF25A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsMember_E544F714C9B119958A4D40C65F60006F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_A2D2838459FB643CE56040C65F60FEF4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_EA2719E743732C81760140C65F60648D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_A2D2838459FB643CE56040C65F60FEF4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue_28FAC27C37C6C9BEE82B40C65F60C8BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_A2D2838459FB643CE56040C65F60FEF4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue_28FAC27C37C6C9BEE82B40C65F60C8BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1_11AE0A94A14AD9EB4A0240C65F605D9A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_A2D2838459FB643CE56040C65F60FEF4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1_11AE0A94A14AD9EB4A0240C65F605D9A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss_6E5748E093971573343E40C65F60F55A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_A2D2838459FB643CE56040C65F60FEF4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss_6E5748E093971573343E40C65F60F55A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases_4578378FE49D2443840C40C65F60CD88" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_A2D2838459FB643CE56040C65F60FEF4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases_4578378FE49D2443840C40C65F60CD88" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSales" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSales_3403DD06B8FDFEA6170140C65F60DAA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_A2D2838459FB643CE56040C65F60FEF4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSales_3403DD06B8FDFEA6170140C65F60DAA0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetIssues_D4468C6F5596BA09C22640C65F60B3A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_A2D2838459FB643CE56040C65F60FEF4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetIssues_D4468C6F5596BA09C22640C65F60B3A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements_796822D751F2FCAF7A7040C65F6000E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_A2D2838459FB643CE56040C65F60FEF4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements_796822D751F2FCAF7A7040C65F6000E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersIntoLevel3" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersIntoLevel3_0902373F77F37AEB481740C65F60CF16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_A2D2838459FB643CE56040C65F60FEF4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersIntoLevel3_0902373F77F37AEB481740C65F60CF16" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersOutOfLevel3" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersOutOfLevel3_C84CA46D34F572AD693040C65F60BDDE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_A2D2838459FB643CE56040C65F60FEF4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersOutOfLevel3_C84CA46D34F572AD693040C65F60BDDE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss_CA5553B6452DC4E159C840C65F60E5F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_A2D2838459FB643CE56040C65F60FEF4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss_CA5553B6452DC4E159C840C65F60E5F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward_2E27E91F6DD89EE9A7B940C65F606CC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_EA2719E743732C81760140C65F60648D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward_2E27E91F6DD89EE9A7B940C65F606CC8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisWithUnobservableInputs" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisWithUnobservableInputs_ACBE32B6B1B88BEB619440C65F604F01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward_2E27E91F6DD89EE9A7B940C65F606CC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisWithUnobservableInputs_ACBE32B6B1B88BEB619440C65F604F01" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationGainLossIncludedInEarnings" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationGainLossIncludedInEarnings_C38E837D5A03489DC71140C65F6104AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward_2E27E91F6DD89EE9A7B940C65F606CC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationGainLossIncludedInEarnings_C38E837D5A03489DC71140C65F6104AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss_2C298FD63A68CEB2C0DC40C65F61E188" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward_2E27E91F6DD89EE9A7B940C65F606CC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss_2C298FD63A68CEB2C0DC40C65F61E188" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationPurchases" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationPurchases_23C8F8DB158A555A68B240C65F617685" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward_2E27E91F6DD89EE9A7B940C65F606CC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationPurchases_23C8F8DB158A555A68B240C65F617685" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationSales" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationSales_7D8EE85A53EDEF99643340C65F61F457" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward_2E27E91F6DD89EE9A7B940C65F606CC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationSales_7D8EE85A53EDEF99643340C65F61F457" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationIssues_3F284880C8B1280491B040C65F61FB1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward_2E27E91F6DD89EE9A7B940C65F606CC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationIssues_3F284880C8B1280491B040C65F61FB1D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationSettlements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationSettlements_C5CD82A089FF3E9481B240C65F616F08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward_2E27E91F6DD89EE9A7B940C65F606CC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationSettlements_C5CD82A089FF3E9481B240C65F616F08" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationTransfersIntoLevel3" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationTransfersIntoLevel3_925C37AC5F111898F2CF40C65F61F71B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward_2E27E91F6DD89EE9A7B940C65F606CC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationTransfersIntoLevel3_925C37AC5F111898F2CF40C65F61F71B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationTransfersOutOfLevel3" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationTransfersOutOfLevel3_B423ED43FD16417B6F8A40C65F610AEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward_2E27E91F6DD89EE9A7B940C65F606CC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationTransfersOutOfLevel3_B423ED43FD16417B6F8A40C65F610AEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss_78231F1598C49CA252D140C65F61513A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward_2E27E91F6DD89EE9A7B940C65F606CC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss_78231F1598C49CA252D140C65F61513A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/IncomeTax" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/IncomeTaxInterestAccruedRelatedToUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/IncomeTaxNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_3650185E5708FBF7A0CB4001C5EE0540" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6399540B9B8CA2FD0E5F4001C5EEDDBE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_3650185E5708FBF7A0CB4001C5EE0540" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6399540B9B8CA2FD0E5F4001C5EEDDBE" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_68928F9ED5A080E1FB2F4001C5EE7340" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6399540B9B8CA2FD0E5F4001C5EEDDBE" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_68928F9ED5A080E1FB2F4001C5EE7340" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E0FB545FB7B013697E0B4001C5EEB643_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_68928F9ED5A080E1FB2F4001C5EE7340" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E0FB545FB7B013697E0B4001C5EEB643_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E0FB545FB7B013697E0B4001C5EEB643" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_68928F9ED5A080E1FB2F4001C5EE7340" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E0FB545FB7B013697E0B4001C5EEB643" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_MetlifeIncMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_MetlifeIncMember_E57C1AD271ABD046C0D84001C5EED8AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E0FB545FB7B013697E0B4001C5EEB643" xlink:to="loc_bhl_MetlifeIncMember_E57C1AD271ABD046C0D84001C5EED8AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_DeferredIncomeTaxAxis" xlink:label="loc_bhl_DeferredIncomeTaxAxis_664C343FE9702C6C90F24001C5EEBAA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6399540B9B8CA2FD0E5F4001C5EEDDBE" xlink:to="loc_bhl_DeferredIncomeTaxAxis_664C343FE9702C6C90F24001C5EEBAA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentDomain_7F1403F37968FBCC9E7C4001C5EE4EDD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_bhl_DeferredIncomeTaxAxis_664C343FE9702C6C90F24001C5EEBAA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentDomain_7F1403F37968FBCC9E7C4001C5EE4EDD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentDomain_7F1403F37968FBCC9E7C4001C5EE4EDD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_bhl_DeferredIncomeTaxAxis_664C343FE9702C6C90F24001C5EEBAA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentDomain_7F1403F37968FBCC9E7C4001C5EE4EDD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_AlternativeMinimumTaxadjustmentMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_AlternativeMinimumTaxadjustmentMember_CC4152560EA62A2CF73E4001C5EE9EC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentDomain_7F1403F37968FBCC9E7C4001C5EE4EDD" xlink:to="loc_bhl_AlternativeMinimumTaxadjustmentMember_CC4152560EA62A2CF73E4001C5EE9EC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_96663117C76682CD0D1C4001C5EE9F08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6399540B9B8CA2FD0E5F4001C5EEDDBE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_96663117C76682CD0D1C4001C5EE9F08" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_3C05BACFB28093F550F84001C5EED957_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_96663117C76682CD0D1C4001C5EE9F08" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_3C05BACFB28093F550F84001C5EED957_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_3C05BACFB28093F550F84001C5EED957" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_96663117C76682CD0D1C4001C5EE9F08" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_3C05BACFB28093F550F84001C5EED957" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_98DF3568BCC5BE2B62D64001C5EEE625" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_3C05BACFB28093F550F84001C5EED957" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_98DF3568BCC5BE2B62D64001C5EEE625" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_1E23C2A4EE4B468A886C4001C5EEC5EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_3C05BACFB28093F550F84001C5EED957" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_1E23C2A4EE4B468A886C4001C5EEC5EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_C9C4B165689719392D0B4001C5EE0207" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_3650185E5708FBF7A0CB4001C5EE0540" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_C9C4B165689719392D0B4001C5EE0207" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards_D24408A3ECEFBC138E9B4001C5EEC8BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_3650185E5708FBF7A0CB4001C5EE0540" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards_D24408A3ECEFBC138E9B4001C5EEC8BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments_E219782D8612FF33FA194001C5EE6506" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_3650185E5708FBF7A0CB4001C5EE0540" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments_E219782D8612FF33FA194001C5EE6506" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_TrueUpOfPriorYearTaxReturnIncludedInCurrentYearBenefitorExpenseAssociatedWithDividendReceivedDeductionRelatedtoSeparateAccounts" xlink:label="loc_bhl_TrueUpOfPriorYearTaxReturnIncludedInCurrentYearBenefitorExpenseAssociatedWithDividendReceivedDeductionRelatedtoSeparateAccounts_832A08F98C0A6CC675F54001C5EE0A6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_3650185E5708FBF7A0CB4001C5EE0540" xlink:to="loc_bhl_TrueUpOfPriorYearTaxReturnIncludedInCurrentYearBenefitorExpenseAssociatedWithDividendReceivedDeductionRelatedtoSeparateAccounts_832A08F98C0A6CC675F54001C5EE0A6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_EffectiveIncomeTaxReconciliationTaxCutsandJobsActof2017Amount" xlink:label="loc_bhl_EffectiveIncomeTaxReconciliationTaxCutsandJobsActof2017Amount_38505AEB68DEAA5DD0934001C5EECA36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_3650185E5708FBF7A0CB4001C5EE0540" xlink:to="loc_bhl_EffectiveIncomeTaxReconciliationTaxCutsandJobsActof2017Amount_38505AEB68DEAA5DD0934001C5EECA36" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards_5F9D7BB80C7DD236CBB04001C5EEEC66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_3650185E5708FBF7A0CB4001C5EE0540" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards_5F9D7BB80C7DD236CBB04001C5EEEC66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsExpirationDate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsExpirationDate_C866D5B8C17AA54B28DF4001C5EE2003" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_3650185E5708FBF7A0CB4001C5EE0540" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsExpirationDate_C866D5B8C17AA54B28DF4001C5EE2003" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAmountsOfTransaction" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAmountsOfTransaction_26BD0CE1608B0CC93CAC4001C5EEB3CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_3650185E5708FBF7A0CB4001C5EE0540" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAmountsOfTransaction_26BD0CE1608B0CC93CAC4001C5EEB3CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueFromRelatedParties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueFromRelatedParties_9EE7FE6A8FF84B8BA4E24001C5EEB2CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_3650185E5708FBF7A0CB4001C5EE0540" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueFromRelatedParties_9EE7FE6A8FF84B8BA4E24001C5EEB2CB" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/IncomeTaxNetDeferredIncomeTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/IncomeTaxProvisionForIncomeTaxFromContinuingOperationsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/IncomeTaxReconciliationOfIncomeTaxProvisionBetweenUsStatutoryRateAndAsReportedForContinuingOperationsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/IncomeTaxReconciliationOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/IncomeTaxTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/IncomeTaxTaxCreditCarryforwardsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_80D0979B65D15E7B830344BCCB93A08E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardTable_C833FFA9D77FC9F6E43944BCCB8D9BD4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_80D0979B65D15E7B830344BCCB93A08E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardTable_C833FFA9D77FC9F6E43944BCCB8D9BD4" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAxis_208E55D2C32D68E1C90944BCCB8DE600" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardTable_C833FFA9D77FC9F6E43944BCCB8D9BD4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAxis_208E55D2C32D68E1C90944BCCB8DE600" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain_348960A6E2C6A6FAD44B44BCCB8D977D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAxis_208E55D2C32D68E1C90944BCCB8DE600" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain_348960A6E2C6A6FAD44B44BCCB8D977D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain_348960A6E2C6A6FAD44B44BCCB8D977D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAxis_208E55D2C32D68E1C90944BCCB8DE600" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain_348960A6E2C6A6FAD44B44BCCB8D977D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralBusinessMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralBusinessMember_3D731DB4EDBB90A7173E44BCCB8DEC78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain_348960A6E2C6A6FAD44B44BCCB8D977D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralBusinessMember_3D731DB4EDBB90A7173E44BCCB8DEC78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_OtherTaxCreditCarryforwardMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_OtherTaxCreditCarryforwardMember_1EF27A16212100029F8A44BCCB8D2886" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain_348960A6E2C6A6FAD44B44BCCB8D977D" xlink:to="loc_bhl_OtherTaxCreditCarryforwardMember_1EF27A16212100029F8A44BCCB8D2886" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_1C9BD86198F38FF6585644BCCB8D040B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardTable_C833FFA9D77FC9F6E43944BCCB8D9BD4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_1C9BD86198F38FF6585644BCCB8D040B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_0BE601BF0490BC5F96F544BCCB8DC35F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_1C9BD86198F38FF6585644BCCB8D040B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_0BE601BF0490BC5F96F544BCCB8DC35F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_0BE601BF0490BC5F96F544BCCB8DC35F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_1C9BD86198F38FF6585644BCCB8D040B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_0BE601BF0490BC5F96F544BCCB8DC35F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignCountryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCountryMember_74FBAA162D00597568C144BCCB8DD031" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_0BE601BF0490BC5F96F544BCCB8DC35F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCountryMember_74FBAA162D00597568C144BCCB8DD031" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_ExpirationDateByDeferredTaxAssetAxis" xlink:label="loc_bhl_ExpirationDateByDeferredTaxAssetAxis_8EF8DBF409C1A2EC3F4D44BCCB8DB2E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardTable_C833FFA9D77FC9F6E43944BCCB8D9BD4" xlink:to="loc_bhl_ExpirationDateByDeferredTaxAssetAxis_8EF8DBF409C1A2EC3F4D44BCCB8DB2E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_ExpirationDateByDeferredTaxAssetDomain" xlink:label="loc_bhl_ExpirationDateByDeferredTaxAssetDomain_DA542464304155A02E9544BCCB8D3128_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_bhl_ExpirationDateByDeferredTaxAssetAxis_8EF8DBF409C1A2EC3F4D44BCCB8DB2E3" xlink:to="loc_bhl_ExpirationDateByDeferredTaxAssetDomain_DA542464304155A02E9544BCCB8D3128_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_ExpirationDateByDeferredTaxAssetDomain" xlink:label="loc_bhl_ExpirationDateByDeferredTaxAssetDomain_DA542464304155A02E9544BCCB8D3128" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_bhl_ExpirationDateByDeferredTaxAssetAxis_8EF8DBF409C1A2EC3F4D44BCCB8DB2E3" xlink:to="loc_bhl_ExpirationDateByDeferredTaxAssetDomain_DA542464304155A02E9544BCCB8D3128" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_ExpirationPeriodFirstFourYearsByDeferredTaxAssetMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_ExpirationPeriodFirstFourYearsByDeferredTaxAssetMember_3F4D3597AF145887E62444BCCB8D733F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_ExpirationDateByDeferredTaxAssetDomain_DA542464304155A02E9544BCCB8D3128" xlink:to="loc_bhl_ExpirationPeriodFirstFourYearsByDeferredTaxAssetMember_3F4D3597AF145887E62444BCCB8D733F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_ExpirationPeriodSecondFourYearsByDeferredTaxAssetMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_ExpirationPeriodSecondFourYearsByDeferredTaxAssetMember_E1980E04FCD07B5CEA0644BCCB927328" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_ExpirationDateByDeferredTaxAssetDomain_DA542464304155A02E9544BCCB8D3128" xlink:to="loc_bhl_ExpirationPeriodSecondFourYearsByDeferredTaxAssetMember_E1980E04FCD07B5CEA0644BCCB927328" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_ExpirationPeriodThirdFourYearsByDeferredTaxAssetMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_ExpirationPeriodThirdFourYearsByDeferredTaxAssetMember_1E33E6BEE788F99032BF44BCCB930606" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_ExpirationDateByDeferredTaxAssetDomain_DA542464304155A02E9544BCCB8D3128" xlink:to="loc_bhl_ExpirationPeriodThirdFourYearsByDeferredTaxAssetMember_1E33E6BEE788F99032BF44BCCB930606" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_ExpirationPeriodFourthFourYearsByDeferredTaxAssetMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_ExpirationPeriodFourthFourYearsByDeferredTaxAssetMember_E845A446CAD52C96B4C544BCCB930298" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_ExpirationDateByDeferredTaxAssetDomain_DA542464304155A02E9544BCCB8D3128" xlink:to="loc_bhl_ExpirationPeriodFourthFourYearsByDeferredTaxAssetMember_E845A446CAD52C96B4C544BCCB930298" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_ExpirationPeriodForIndefiniteNumberOfYearsByDeferredTaxAssetMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_ExpirationPeriodForIndefiniteNumberOfYearsByDeferredTaxAssetMember_5D39495B18439378C83D44BCCB938CA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_ExpirationDateByDeferredTaxAssetDomain_DA542464304155A02E9544BCCB8D3128" xlink:to="loc_bhl_ExpirationPeriodForIndefiniteNumberOfYearsByDeferredTaxAssetMember_5D39495B18439378C83D44BCCB938CA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAmount_37C07E2D93208BEEB9B544BCCB936A44" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_80D0979B65D15E7B830344BCCB93A08E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAmount_37C07E2D93208BEEB9B544BCCB936A44" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/Insurance" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InsuranceFundGroupingsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueOfSeparateAccountsByMajorCategoryOfInvestmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueOfSeparateAccountsByMajorCategoryOfInvestmentLineItems_02EB2721A7D727E8F7442B722BC16021" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueOfSeparateAccountsByMajorCategoryOfInvestmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueOfSeparateAccountsByMajorCategoryOfInvestmentTable_2C09BF1282B91F7805E72B722BC0AA7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueOfSeparateAccountsByMajorCategoryOfInvestmentLineItems_02EB2721A7D727E8F7442B722BC16021" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueOfSeparateAccountsByMajorCategoryOfInvestmentTable_2C09BF1282B91F7805E72B722BC0AA7D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_3C9A199B9DD06BA8AE362B722BC0EB2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueOfSeparateAccountsByMajorCategoryOfInvestmentTable_2C09BF1282B91F7805E72B722BC0AA7D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_3C9A199B9DD06BA8AE362B722BC0EB2D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_5788640D7B522974DC992B722BC005C0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_3C9A199B9DD06BA8AE362B722BC0EB2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_5788640D7B522974DC992B722BC005C0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_5788640D7B522974DC992B722BC005C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_3C9A199B9DD06BA8AE362B722BC0EB2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_5788640D7B522974DC992B722BC005C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_VariableAnnuityAndVariableLifeMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_VariableAnnuityAndVariableLifeMember_724164AEBB48361947C52B722BC02E4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_5788640D7B522974DC992B722BC005C0" xlink:to="loc_bhl_VariableAnnuityAndVariableLifeMember_724164AEBB48361947C52B722BC02E4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_35F66731F102177E9A852B722BC060ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueOfSeparateAccountsByMajorCategoryOfInvestmentTable_2C09BF1282B91F7805E72B722BC0AA7D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_35F66731F102177E9A852B722BC060ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_4923C5EE1307DF66C28A2B722BC0A080_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_35F66731F102177E9A852B722BC060ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_4923C5EE1307DF66C28A2B722BC0A080_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_4923C5EE1307DF66C28A2B722BC0A080" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_35F66731F102177E9A852B722BC060ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_4923C5EE1307DF66C28A2B722BC0A080" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalancedFundsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalancedFundsMember_8AAA9E75D511701B2EC92B722BC18060" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_4923C5EE1307DF66C28A2B722BC0A080" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalancedFundsMember_8AAA9E75D511701B2EC92B722BC18060" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityFundsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityFundsMember_751C5C9C065EE415E2AA2B722BC1362B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_4923C5EE1307DF66C28A2B722BC0A080" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityFundsMember_751C5C9C065EE415E2AA2B722BC1362B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_BondFundsMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_BondFundsMember_914C52E291F8F49CC5AC2B722BC1A323" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_4923C5EE1307DF66C28A2B722BC0A080" xlink:to="loc_bhl_BondFundsMember_914C52E291F8F49CC5AC2B722BC1A323" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember_CABE4BE71FE64358D7102B722BC1137E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_4923C5EE1307DF66C28A2B722BC0A080" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember_CABE4BE71FE64358D7102B722BC1137E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueOfSeparateAccountsByMajorCategoryOfInvestmentFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueOfSeparateAccountsByMajorCategoryOfInvestmentFairValue_1F60CB7417916267F0832B722BC10537" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueOfSeparateAccountsByMajorCategoryOfInvestmentLineItems_02EB2721A7D727E8F7442B722BC16021" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueOfSeparateAccountsByMajorCategoryOfInvestmentFairValue_1F60CB7417916267F0832B722BC10537" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InsuranceGuaranteesRelatedToAnnuityContractsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeLineItems_0A83E424C5AC3BD5D9CA2B722BBD3AA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeTable_BF41EFF78BE7072B534B2B722BBC3913" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeLineItems_0A83E424C5AC3BD5D9CA2B722BBD3AA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeTable_BF41EFF78BE7072B534B2B722BBC3913" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_7DFACB80457265B4A2D82B722BBC994D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeTable_BF41EFF78BE7072B534B2B722BBC3913" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_7DFACB80457265B4A2D82B722BBC994D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_0B13C127DC9E6058C14D2B722BBC4ADF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_7DFACB80457265B4A2D82B722BBC994D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_0B13C127DC9E6058C14D2B722BBC4ADF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_0B13C127DC9E6058C14D2B722BBC4ADF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_7DFACB80457265B4A2D82B722BBC994D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_0B13C127DC9E6058C14D2B722BBC4ADF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableAnnuityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableAnnuityMember_6487A452581E6447A56D2B722BBC1E7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_0B13C127DC9E6058C14D2B722BBC4ADF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableAnnuityMember_6487A452581E6447A56D2B722BBC1E7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitAxis_E75B9E553CBDCAE1BEC92B722BBC3A13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeTable_BF41EFF78BE7072B534B2B722BBC3913" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitAxis_E75B9E553CBDCAE1BEC92B722BBC3A13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain_18FE321B2AE33A65DBD72B722BBDE6C1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitAxis_E75B9E553CBDCAE1BEC92B722BBC3A13" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain_18FE321B2AE33A65DBD72B722BBDE6C1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain_18FE321B2AE33A65DBD72B722BBDE6C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitAxis_E75B9E553CBDCAE1BEC92B722BBC3A13" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain_18FE321B2AE33A65DBD72B722BBDE6C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteedMinimumDeathBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedMinimumDeathBenefitMember_C387404FA4009E5F8A6B2B722BBDE049" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain_18FE321B2AE33A65DBD72B722BBDE6C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedMinimumDeathBenefitMember_C387404FA4009E5F8A6B2B722BBDE049" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AnnuitizationBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AnnuitizationBenefitMember_76A9DF2C9995B337CB802B722BBDFA7E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain_18FE321B2AE33A65DBD72B722BBDE6C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AnnuitizationBenefitMember_76A9DF2C9995B337CB802B722BBDFA7E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeGeneralAccountValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeGeneralAccountValue_B974DA1C5D46410C2EB32B722BBDA38D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeLineItems_0A83E424C5AC3BD5D9CA2B722BBD3AA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeGeneralAccountValue_B974DA1C5D46410C2EB32B722BBDA38D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeSeparateAccountValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeSeparateAccountValue_6AC1E77AF8C5E019F82C2B722BBD9D58" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeLineItems_0A83E424C5AC3BD5D9CA2B722BBD3AA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeSeparateAccountValue_6AC1E77AF8C5E019F82C2B722BBD9D58" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeNetAmountAtRisk" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeNetAmountAtRisk_AD880CF527A356D9E6352B722BBD9D95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeLineItems_0A83E424C5AC3BD5D9CA2B722BBD3AA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeNetAmountAtRisk_AD880CF527A356D9E6352B722BBD9D95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeWeightedAverageAttainedAge1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeWeightedAverageAttainedAge1_DBB8D133D2FB2A69DF462B722BBD6FD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeLineItems_0A83E424C5AC3BD5D9CA2B722BBD3AA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeWeightedAverageAttainedAge1_DBB8D133D2FB2A69DF462B722BBD6FD9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InsuranceGuaranteesRelatedToUniversalAndVariableLifeContractsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeLineItems_05D3FCBEFEAA244CFA672FF23B1587F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeTable_3B330743F88FE14D91E02FF23B14EAF2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeLineItems_05D3FCBEFEAA244CFA672FF23B1587F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeTable_3B330743F88FE14D91E02FF23B14EAF2" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_96A4780990ADF8F288292FF23B144B37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeTable_3B330743F88FE14D91E02FF23B14EAF2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_96A4780990ADF8F288292FF23B144B37" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_A4ECCC5C347A4A55AC7D2FF23B1538D5_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_96A4780990ADF8F288292FF23B144B37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_A4ECCC5C347A4A55AC7D2FF23B1538D5_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_A4ECCC5C347A4A55AC7D2FF23B1538D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_96A4780990ADF8F288292FF23B144B37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_A4ECCC5C347A4A55AC7D2FF23B1538D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UniversalLifeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UniversalLifeMember_38A0E82B3BFA12045EB02FF2401B6CD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_A4ECCC5C347A4A55AC7D2FF23B1538D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UniversalLifeMember_38A0E82B3BFA12045EB02FF2401B6CD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableLifeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableLifeMember_81F2BA88A1757B932F1C2FF23B15F16F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_A4ECCC5C347A4A55AC7D2FF23B1538D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableLifeMember_81F2BA88A1757B932F1C2FF23B15F16F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeAxis_A114134BDC2CC54237532FF23B157881" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeTable_3B330743F88FE14D91E02FF23B14EAF2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeAxis_A114134BDC2CC54237532FF23B157881" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeDomain_91C7B49BF728DDAA35822FF23B15BCA9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeAxis_A114134BDC2CC54237532FF23B157881" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeDomain_91C7B49BF728DDAA35822FF23B15BCA9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeDomain_91C7B49BF728DDAA35822FF23B15BCA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeAxis_A114134BDC2CC54237532FF23B157881" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeDomain_91C7B49BF728DDAA35822FF23B15BCA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_SecondaryGuaranteesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_SecondaryGuaranteesMember_ADB8271F8B8C97B2E51F2FF23B151B8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeDomain_91C7B49BF728DDAA35822FF23B15BCA9" xlink:to="loc_bhl_SecondaryGuaranteesMember_ADB8271F8B8C97B2E51F2FF23B151B8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeGeneralAndSeparateAccountValue" xlink:label="loc_bhl_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeGeneralAndSeparateAccountValue_17AC02F36A744B3ECB2A2FF23B172D93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeLineItems_05D3FCBEFEAA244CFA672FF23B1587F4" xlink:to="loc_bhl_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeGeneralAndSeparateAccountValue_17AC02F36A744B3ECB2A2FF23B172D93" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeNetAmountAtRisk" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeNetAmountAtRisk_D52FA8E491DF3C4B8D652FF23B1764B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeLineItems_05D3FCBEFEAA244CFA672FF23B1587F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeNetAmountAtRisk_D52FA8E491DF3C4B8D652FF23B1764B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeWeightedAverageAttainedAge1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeWeightedAverageAttainedAge1_985CD5C453565A3E55C92FF23B1759C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeLineItems_05D3FCBEFEAA244CFA672FF23B1587F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetAmountAtRiskByProductAndGuaranteeWeightedAverageAttainedAge1_985CD5C453565A3E55C92FF23B1759C2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InsuranceInsuranceLiabilitiesAssumptionsAndRatiosNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitByProductSegmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitByProductSegmentLineItems_400C754938C080A4A98948A2F1E230D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitByProductSegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitByProductSegmentTable_13521D964A2583DA6B2248A2F1E2F00A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitByProductSegmentLineItems_400C754938C080A4A98948A2F1E230D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitByProductSegmentTable_13521D964A2583DA6B2248A2F1E2F00A" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_D33BC5041496C17A98FC48A2F1E24FC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitByProductSegmentTable_13521D964A2583DA6B2248A2F1E2F00A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_D33BC5041496C17A98FC48A2F1E24FC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_749B46DA81B0AFD19B5C48A2F1E2419C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_D33BC5041496C17A98FC48A2F1E24FC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_749B46DA81B0AFD19B5C48A2F1E2419C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_749B46DA81B0AFD19B5C48A2F1E2419C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_D33BC5041496C17A98FC48A2F1E24FC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_749B46DA81B0AFD19B5C48A2F1E2419C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParticipatingLifeInsurancePolicyMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ParticipatingLifeInsurancePolicyMember_0AF4537438120548F67148A2F1E28BAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_749B46DA81B0AFD19B5C48A2F1E2419C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ParticipatingLifeInsurancePolicyMember_0AF4537438120548F67148A2F1E28BAD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonparticipatingLifeInsurancePolicyMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonparticipatingLifeInsurancePolicyMember_73C445CAB5DFA7FCBEF948A2F1E2A7C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_749B46DA81B0AFD19B5C48A2F1E2419C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonparticipatingLifeInsurancePolicyMember_73C445CAB5DFA7FCBEF948A2F1E2A7C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FixedAnnuityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FixedAnnuityMember_847837B2BC713F72BD5148A2F1E2A097" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_749B46DA81B0AFD19B5C48A2F1E2419C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FixedAnnuityMember_847837B2BC713F72BD5148A2F1E2A097" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherInsuranceProductLineMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherInsuranceProductLineMember_60D2757A9741F980B30948A2F1E2BB2B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_749B46DA81B0AFD19B5C48A2F1E2419C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherInsuranceProductLineMember_60D2757A9741F980B30948A2F1E2BB2B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisabilityInsurancePolicyMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisabilityInsurancePolicyMember_60298C090F0A2F3964F848A2F1E23A28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_749B46DA81B0AFD19B5C48A2F1E2419C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisabilityInsurancePolicyMember_60298C090F0A2F3964F848A2F1E23A28" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_C1FFE296D3913E1F52FF48A2F1E2A5EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitByProductSegmentTable_13521D964A2583DA6B2248A2F1E2F00A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_C1FFE296D3913E1F52FF48A2F1E2A5EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_4F16ACB012D00B14C6FC48A2F1E21C89_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_C1FFE296D3913E1F52FF48A2F1E2A5EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_4F16ACB012D00B14C6FC48A2F1E21C89_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_4F16ACB012D00B14C6FC48A2F1E21C89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_C1FFE296D3913E1F52FF48A2F1E2A5EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_4F16ACB012D00B14C6FC48A2F1E21C89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_EF9D5BF02C1B3B1DB76E48A2F1E27D31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_4F16ACB012D00B14C6FC48A2F1E21C89" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_EF9D5BF02C1B3B1DB76E48A2F1E27D31" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_4E5C0C15DA22FFC88DF948A2F1E2D883" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_4F16ACB012D00B14C6FC48A2F1E21C89" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_4E5C0C15DA22FFC88DF948A2F1E2D883" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForPolicyholderContractDepositsInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForPolicyholderContractDepositsInterestRate_8E72C99FEFF59F5C29CD494FC8ADAA66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitByProductSegmentLineItems_400C754938C080A4A98948A2F1E230D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForPolicyholderContractDepositsInterestRate_8E72C99FEFF59F5C29CD494FC8ADAA66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_LiabilityForPolicyholderContractDepositsCreditedInterestRateAllApplicableProducts" xlink:label="loc_bhl_LiabilityForPolicyholderContractDepositsCreditedInterestRateAllApplicableProducts_3333710C62125640C2A548A2F1E24026" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitByProductSegmentLineItems_400C754938C080A4A98948A2F1E230D3" xlink:to="loc_bhl_LiabilityForPolicyholderContractDepositsCreditedInterestRateAllApplicableProducts_3333710C62125640C2A548A2F1E24026" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InsuranceInsuranceLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_InsuranceLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_bhl_InsuranceLiabilitiesLineItems_64EE6FC1031E1E9246F62B722BCA7E90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_InsuranceLiabilitiesBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_bhl_InsuranceLiabilitiesBySegmentTable_D454B1697439CD43B1252B722BC99541" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_bhl_InsuranceLiabilitiesLineItems_64EE6FC1031E1E9246F62B722BCA7E90" xlink:to="loc_bhl_InsuranceLiabilitiesBySegmentTable_D454B1697439CD43B1252B722BC99541" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_FCE3B2BC56E712E9C1A42B722BC97DB5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_bhl_InsuranceLiabilitiesBySegmentTable_D454B1697439CD43B1252B722BC99541" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_FCE3B2BC56E712E9C1A42B722BC97DB5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_36896C27CE04BE5C06FE2B722BCA6690_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_FCE3B2BC56E712E9C1A42B722BC97DB5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_36896C27CE04BE5C06FE2B722BCA6690_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_36896C27CE04BE5C06FE2B722BCA6690" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_FCE3B2BC56E712E9C1A42B722BC97DB5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_36896C27CE04BE5C06FE2B722BCA6690" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_AnnuitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_AnnuitiesMember_64B1020EB6DBDB1378BE2B722BCA40A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_36896C27CE04BE5C06FE2B722BCA6690" xlink:to="loc_bhl_AnnuitiesMember_64B1020EB6DBDB1378BE2B722BCA40A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_LifeMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_LifeMember_B1C98938AF23CFFF24CB2B722BCA2CC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_36896C27CE04BE5C06FE2B722BCA6690" xlink:to="loc_bhl_LifeMember_B1C98938AF23CFFF24CB2B722BCA2CC1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_RunoffMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_RunoffMember_02BF83EFFEB6630B70282B722BCAF819" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_36896C27CE04BE5C06FE2B722BCA6690" xlink:to="loc_bhl_RunoffMember_02BF83EFFEB6630B70282B722BCAF819" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember_B4AAD235E99CD928ED112B722BCA9A67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_36896C27CE04BE5C06FE2B722BCA6690" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember_B4AAD235E99CD928ED112B722BCA9A67" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_InsuranceLiabilitiesComprisedOfFuturePolicyBenefitsPolicyholderAccountBalancesAndOtherPolicyRelatedBalances" xlink:label="loc_bhl_InsuranceLiabilitiesComprisedOfFuturePolicyBenefitsPolicyholderAccountBalancesAndOtherPolicyRelatedBalances_BC0F642DC5CB6E3A4FDE2B722BCAE223" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_InsuranceLiabilitiesLineItems_64EE6FC1031E1E9246F62B722BCA7E90" xlink:to="loc_bhl_InsuranceLiabilitiesComprisedOfFuturePolicyBenefitsPolicyholderAccountBalancesAndOtherPolicyRelatedBalances_BC0F642DC5CB6E3A4FDE2B722BCAE223" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InsuranceLiabilitiesForGuaranteesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesForGuaranteesOnLongDurationContractsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesForGuaranteesOnLongDurationContractsLineItems_AEB7C122D64E2873E5D23E458FAF7B38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesForGuaranteesOnLongDurationContractsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesForGuaranteesOnLongDurationContractsTable_90FFF3A4EAD008B6ABAC3E458FAFDB50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesForGuaranteesOnLongDurationContractsLineItems_AEB7C122D64E2873E5D23E458FAF7B38" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesForGuaranteesOnLongDurationContractsTable_90FFF3A4EAD008B6ABAC3E458FAFDB50" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_EFBEA6CC2FCE77D8AF4A3E458FAF3364" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesForGuaranteesOnLongDurationContractsTable_90FFF3A4EAD008B6ABAC3E458FAFDB50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_EFBEA6CC2FCE77D8AF4A3E458FAF3364" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_CB32C2863051C9AB79E43E458FAFC7A0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_EFBEA6CC2FCE77D8AF4A3E458FAF3364" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_CB32C2863051C9AB79E43E458FAFC7A0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_CB32C2863051C9AB79E43E458FAFC7A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_EFBEA6CC2FCE77D8AF4A3E458FAF3364" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_CB32C2863051C9AB79E43E458FAFC7A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableAnnuityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableAnnuityMember_EAAD768584D62F9068213E458FAFE187" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_CB32C2863051C9AB79E43E458FAFC7A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableAnnuityMember_EAAD768584D62F9068213E458FAFE187" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_UniversalAndVariableLifeContractsMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_UniversalAndVariableLifeContractsMember_0A6D0A1F17BB5DF21C363E458FAF62F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_CB32C2863051C9AB79E43E458FAFC7A0" xlink:to="loc_bhl_UniversalAndVariableLifeContractsMember_0A6D0A1F17BB5DF21C363E458FAF62F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_NetCededandAssumedLiabilitiesForGuaranteesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_NetCededandAssumedLiabilitiesForGuaranteesMember_A3C222F06F74496C421D3E458FAF1832" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_CB32C2863051C9AB79E43E458FAFC7A0" xlink:to="loc_bhl_NetCededandAssumedLiabilitiesForGuaranteesMember_A3C222F06F74496C421D3E458FAF1832" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_NetLiabilitiesForGuaranteesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_NetLiabilitiesForGuaranteesMember_F52C7E0E2698D5A857083E458FAF862C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_CB32C2863051C9AB79E43E458FAFC7A0" xlink:to="loc_bhl_NetLiabilitiesForGuaranteesMember_F52C7E0E2698D5A857083E458FAF862C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitAxis_A4B1E5054AC31C7345353E458FAF23C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesForGuaranteesOnLongDurationContractsTable_90FFF3A4EAD008B6ABAC3E458FAFDB50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitAxis_A4B1E5054AC31C7345353E458FAF23C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain_9BEBBEE27BD0A599AD433E458FAFF3D2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitAxis_A4B1E5054AC31C7345353E458FAF23C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain_9BEBBEE27BD0A599AD433E458FAFF3D2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain_9BEBBEE27BD0A599AD433E458FAFF3D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitAxis_A4B1E5054AC31C7345353E458FAF23C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain_9BEBBEE27BD0A599AD433E458FAFF3D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteedMinimumDeathBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedMinimumDeathBenefitMember_C9D6E191FB9EBB3369403E458FAF058D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain_9BEBBEE27BD0A599AD433E458FAFF3D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedMinimumDeathBenefitMember_C9D6E191FB9EBB3369403E458FAF058D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteedMinimumIncomeBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedMinimumIncomeBenefitMember_EAB859ED95933F95DE093E458FAF1D58" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain_9BEBBEE27BD0A599AD433E458FAFF3D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedMinimumIncomeBenefitMember_EAB859ED95933F95DE093E458FAF1D58" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeAxis_0FCAF730AD514F2A31143E458FAF7D0A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesForGuaranteesOnLongDurationContractsTable_90FFF3A4EAD008B6ABAC3E458FAFDB50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeAxis_0FCAF730AD514F2A31143E458FAF7D0A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeDomain_2A70D1B89FC592F091A73E458FAFAD4B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeAxis_0FCAF730AD514F2A31143E458FAF7D0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeDomain_2A70D1B89FC592F091A73E458FAFAD4B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeDomain_2A70D1B89FC592F091A73E458FAFAD4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeAxis_0FCAF730AD514F2A31143E458FAF7D0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeDomain_2A70D1B89FC592F091A73E458FAFAD4B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_SecondaryGuaranteesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_SecondaryGuaranteesMember_C2D5632140A3BA2F01E73E458FAFE048" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfGuaranteeDomain_2A70D1B89FC592F091A73E458FAFAD4B" xlink:to="loc_bhl_SecondaryGuaranteesMember_C2D5632140A3BA2F01E73E458FAFE048" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesForGuaranteesOnLongDurationContractsGuaranteedBenefitLiabilityNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesForGuaranteesOnLongDurationContractsGuaranteedBenefitLiabilityNet_044E184654786960BE553E458FAF0860" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesForGuaranteesOnLongDurationContractsLineItems_AEB7C122D64E2873E5D23E458FAF7B38" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesForGuaranteesOnLongDurationContractsGuaranteedBenefitLiabilityNet_044E184654786960BE553E458FAF0860" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_Liabilitiesforguaranteesonlongdurationcontractsreinsurancerecoverableincurredbenefitsnet" xlink:label="loc_bhl_Liabilitiesforguaranteesonlongdurationcontractsreinsurancerecoverableincurredbenefitsnet_224DC8C655A592B5739C3E458FAF94B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesForGuaranteesOnLongDurationContractsLineItems_AEB7C122D64E2873E5D23E458FAF7B38" xlink:to="loc_bhl_Liabilitiesforguaranteesonlongdurationcontractsreinsurancerecoverableincurredbenefitsnet_224DC8C655A592B5739C3E458FAF94B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MovementInGuaranteedBenefitLiabilityGrossRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MovementInGuaranteedBenefitLiabilityGrossRollForward_E81CDC38499E293E30433E458FAF183D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesForGuaranteesOnLongDurationContractsLineItems_AEB7C122D64E2873E5D23E458FAF7B38" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MovementInGuaranteedBenefitLiabilityGrossRollForward_E81CDC38499E293E30433E458FAF183D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesForGuaranteesOnLongDurationContractsGuaranteedBenefitLiabilityGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesForGuaranteesOnLongDurationContractsGuaranteedBenefitLiabilityGross_7804F5E634A2F85A07163E458FB0B4D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInGuaranteedBenefitLiabilityGrossRollForward_E81CDC38499E293E30433E458FAF183D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesForGuaranteesOnLongDurationContractsGuaranteedBenefitLiabilityGross_7804F5E634A2F85A07163E458FB0B4D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesForGuaranteesOnLongDurationContractsIncurredBenefits1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesForGuaranteesOnLongDurationContractsIncurredBenefits1_A5866D08B0825ED2D60F3E458FB09494" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInGuaranteedBenefitLiabilityGrossRollForward_E81CDC38499E293E30433E458FAF183D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesForGuaranteesOnLongDurationContractsIncurredBenefits1_A5866D08B0825ED2D60F3E458FB09494" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesForGuaranteesOnLongDurationContractsPaymentForBenefits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesForGuaranteesOnLongDurationContractsPaymentForBenefits_BEF1C13E9CFA7BC2522E3E458FB0058D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInGuaranteedBenefitLiabilityGrossRollForward_E81CDC38499E293E30433E458FAF183D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesForGuaranteesOnLongDurationContractsPaymentForBenefits_BEF1C13E9CFA7BC2522E3E458FB0058D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InsuranceObligationsUnderFundingAgreementsLiabilityAndCollateralDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_FixedAndFloatingRateFundingAgreementsByTypeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_bhl_FixedAndFloatingRateFundingAgreementsByTypeLineItems_7232987CE7BC7F07E0143E458F9F200E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_FixedAndFloatingRateFundingAgreementsByTypeTable" xlink:label="loc_bhl_FixedAndFloatingRateFundingAgreementsByTypeTable_EE9A8BF2C41A176C6FD23E458F9FFF24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_bhl_FixedAndFloatingRateFundingAgreementsByTypeLineItems_7232987CE7BC7F07E0143E458F9F200E" xlink:to="loc_bhl_FixedAndFloatingRateFundingAgreementsByTypeTable_EE9A8BF2C41A176C6FD23E458F9FFF24" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_FixedAndFloatingRateFundingAgreementsByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_bhl_FixedAndFloatingRateFundingAgreementsByTypeAxis_A54E856884781377AC123E458F9FD7B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_bhl_FixedAndFloatingRateFundingAgreementsByTypeTable_EE9A8BF2C41A176C6FD23E458F9FFF24" xlink:to="loc_bhl_FixedAndFloatingRateFundingAgreementsByTypeAxis_A54E856884781377AC123E458F9FD7B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_FixedAndFloatingRateFundingAgreementsByTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_bhl_FixedAndFloatingRateFundingAgreementsByTypeDomain_C2C238C6A819723E5C053E458F9FAE3A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_bhl_FixedAndFloatingRateFundingAgreementsByTypeAxis_A54E856884781377AC123E458F9FD7B5" xlink:to="loc_bhl_FixedAndFloatingRateFundingAgreementsByTypeDomain_C2C238C6A819723E5C053E458F9FAE3A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_FixedAndFloatingRateFundingAgreementsByTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_bhl_FixedAndFloatingRateFundingAgreementsByTypeDomain_C2C238C6A819723E5C053E458F9FAE3A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_bhl_FixedAndFloatingRateFundingAgreementsByTypeAxis_A54E856884781377AC123E458F9FD7B5" xlink:to="loc_bhl_FixedAndFloatingRateFundingAgreementsByTypeDomain_C2C238C6A819723E5C053E458F9FAE3A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesBranchOfFHLBBankAmountOfAdvancesByBranch" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesBranchOfFHLBBankAmountOfAdvancesByBranch_EBF3B469FA7FD0E997C83E458F9FD1EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_FixedAndFloatingRateFundingAgreementsByTypeLineItems_7232987CE7BC7F07E0143E458F9F200E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesBranchOfFHLBBankAmountOfAdvancesByBranch_EBF3B469FA7FD0E997C83E458F9FD1EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_OutstandingFundingAgreementsToCertainSpecialPurposeEntities" xlink:label="loc_bhl_OutstandingFundingAgreementsToCertainSpecialPurposeEntities_7CB94ED3A548F761A31B3E458F9F3F4A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_FixedAndFloatingRateFundingAgreementsByTypeLineItems_7232987CE7BC7F07E0143E458F9F200E" xlink:to="loc_bhl_OutstandingFundingAgreementsToCertainSpecialPurposeEntities_7CB94ED3A548F761A31B3E458F9F3F4A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InsuranceObligationsUnderFundingAgreementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InsuranceTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/Investments" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsActivityForAccretableYieldOnPciInvestmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_527F679FB0C2140E41912B722B14795F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_43BE5B5FE04C639A39692B722B14A239" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_527F679FB0C2140E41912B722B14795F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_43BE5B5FE04C639A39692B722B14A239" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_24D96B4DA36F7C1CB9942B722B1493E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_43BE5B5FE04C639A39692B722B14A239" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_24D96B4DA36F7C1CB9942B722B1493E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_33A2403A7D66E91B43192B722B14B7BE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_24D96B4DA36F7C1CB9942B722B1493E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_33A2403A7D66E91B43192B722B14B7BE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_33A2403A7D66E91B43192B722B14B7BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_24D96B4DA36F7C1CB9942B722B1493E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_33A2403A7D66E91B43192B722B14B7BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_BA77D74EF9B7159BDF792B722B14F27E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_33A2403A7D66E91B43192B722B14B7BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_BA77D74EF9B7159BDF792B722B14F27E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_LoansAcquiredInTransferAxis" xlink:label="loc_bhl_LoansAcquiredInTransferAxis_A79099EE8F5DEF6758862B722B14B94E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_43BE5B5FE04C639A39692B722B14A239" xlink:to="loc_bhl_LoansAcquiredInTransferAxis_A79099EE8F5DEF6758862B722B14B94E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_LoansAcquiredInTransferDomain" xlink:label="loc_bhl_LoansAcquiredInTransferDomain_75BC745CC1A70DF856172B722B146B5F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_bhl_LoansAcquiredInTransferAxis_A79099EE8F5DEF6758862B722B14B94E" xlink:to="loc_bhl_LoansAcquiredInTransferDomain_75BC745CC1A70DF856172B722B146B5F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_LoansAcquiredInTransferDomain" xlink:label="loc_bhl_LoansAcquiredInTransferDomain_75BC745CC1A70DF856172B722B146B5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_bhl_LoansAcquiredInTransferAxis_A79099EE8F5DEF6758862B722B14B94E" xlink:to="loc_bhl_LoansAcquiredInTransferDomain_75BC745CC1A70DF856172B722B146B5F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_InvestmentsPurchasedMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_InvestmentsPurchasedMember_33E8DFEFA3B5919B49C32B722B14F898" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_LoansAcquiredInTransferDomain_75BC745CC1A70DF856172B722B146B5F" xlink:to="loc_bhl_InvestmentsPurchasedMember_33E8DFEFA3B5919B49C32B722B14F898" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldMovementScheduleRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldMovementScheduleRollForward_C379C1B9AC20B3A4EC062B722B15F075" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_527F679FB0C2140E41912B722B14795F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldMovementScheduleRollForward_C379C1B9AC20B3A4EC062B722B15F075" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYield" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYield_8C011BCD852C06EF2AB42B722B15A7C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldMovementScheduleRollForward_C379C1B9AC20B3A4EC062B722B15F075" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYield_8C011BCD852C06EF2AB42B722B15A7C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldAdditions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldAdditions_04E97C95EA2EC64CD8D42B722B157B33" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldMovementScheduleRollForward_C379C1B9AC20B3A4EC062B722B15F075" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldAdditions_04E97C95EA2EC64CD8D42B722B157B33" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldAccretion" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldAccretion_99C49733E68C34C8BCA42B722B15B9E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldMovementScheduleRollForward_C379C1B9AC20B3A4EC062B722B15F075" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldAccretion_99C49733E68C34C8BCA42B722B15B9E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldDisposalsOfLoans" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldDisposalsOfLoans_F0FE0BB258B24DAF6FDC2B722B153C87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldMovementScheduleRollForward_C379C1B9AC20B3A4EC062B722B15F075" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldDisposalsOfLoans_F0FE0BB258B24DAF6FDC2B722B153C87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldReclassificationsFromNonaccretableDifference" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldReclassificationsFromNonaccretableDifference_CC14910CBA36C44BAB1B2B722B15CA02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldMovementScheduleRollForward_C379C1B9AC20B3A4EC062B722B15F075" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldReclassificationsFromNonaccretableDifference_CC14910CBA36C44BAB1B2B722B15CA02" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsCashEquivalentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsChangesInNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainsLossesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsCollectivelySignificantEquityMethodInvestmentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsComponentsOfNetInvestmentGainsLossesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems_7AF08CFEED36D8DE4D752B722AFFEB8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_DADCDAE0A94A6BE3BA362B722AFDDF27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems_7AF08CFEED36D8DE4D752B722AFFEB8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_DADCDAE0A94A6BE3BA362B722AFDDF27" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_1BC43EE602EF422EA05B2B722AFD4516" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_DADCDAE0A94A6BE3BA362B722AFDDF27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_1BC43EE602EF422EA05B2B722AFD4516" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_5150C7963F8E340F5F9F2B722AFD43D1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_1BC43EE602EF422EA05B2B722AFD4516" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_5150C7963F8E340F5F9F2B722AFD43D1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_5150C7963F8E340F5F9F2B722AFD43D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_1BC43EE602EF422EA05B2B722AFD4516" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_5150C7963F8E340F5F9F2B722AFD43D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_FE1A803D75366C6D81F32B722AFDBBE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_5150C7963F8E340F5F9F2B722AFD43D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_FE1A803D75366C6D81F32B722AFDBBE0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_44D721BC0C6F3F33A1C42B722AFEB2A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_5150C7963F8E340F5F9F2B722AFD43D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_44D721BC0C6F3F33A1C42B722AFEB2A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_47BBDC2FCED7FAD7D7832B722AFE1512" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_5150C7963F8E340F5F9F2B722AFD43D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_47BBDC2FCED7FAD7D7832B722AFE1512" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_501B58968EA95C40C5F12B722AFEF19E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_5150C7963F8E340F5F9F2B722AFD43D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_501B58968EA95C40C5F12B722AFEF19E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_IndustrialDomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_IndustrialDomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_BFAF856F576A986AFD962B722AFE1C69" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_501B58968EA95C40C5F12B722AFEF19E" xlink:to="loc_bhl_IndustrialDomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_BFAF856F576A986AFD962B722AFE1C69" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_ConsumerDomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_ConsumerDomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_4CCF106D38B77A82B7DF2B722AFE356D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_501B58968EA95C40C5F12B722AFEF19E" xlink:to="loc_bhl_ConsumerDomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_4CCF106D38B77A82B7DF2B722AFE356D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilityBondsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityBondsMember_06A7CD3F17C1821323AF2B722AFED309" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_501B58968EA95C40C5F12B722AFEF19E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilityBondsMember_06A7CD3F17C1821323AF2B722AFED309" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_91F681E169C6996AA9A22B722AFFB959" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_5150C7963F8E340F5F9F2B722AFD43D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_91F681E169C6996AA9A22B722AFFB959" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionRecognizedInEarningsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionRecognizedInEarningsNet_69A188799B686C15437C2B722AFF7DBE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems_7AF08CFEED36D8DE4D752B722AFFEB8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionRecognizedInEarningsNet_69A188799B686C15437C2B722AFF7DBE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses_DDE281B404FB648F67932B722AFFEE4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems_7AF08CFEED36D8DE4D752B722AFFEB8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses_DDE281B404FB648F67932B722AFFEE4E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesGainLossAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesGainLossAbstract_265F43298B4B5E0FFDBD2B722AFFB9AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems_7AF08CFEED36D8DE4D752B722AFFEB8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesGainLossAbstract_265F43298B4B5E0FFDBD2B722AFFB9AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfDebtInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfDebtInvestments_D7579F3F6422E42B6E8F2B722AFF005D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesGainLossAbstract_265F43298B4B5E0FFDBD2B722AFFB9AC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfDebtInvestments_D7579F3F6422E42B6E8F2B722AFF005D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfEquityInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfEquityInvestments_6BB808F21260B06BF21D2B722AFFB5CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesGainLossAbstract_265F43298B4B5E0FFDBD2B722AFFB9AC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfEquityInvestments_6BB808F21260B06BF21D2B722AFFB5CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLossesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLossesAbstract_3C7930567B86C02861E92B722AFFFDBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGainLossOnInvestmentsIncludingMarketableSecuritiesAndInvestmentsHeldAtCostIncomeStatementReportedAmountsSummaryLineItems_7AF08CFEED36D8DE4D752B722AFFEB8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLossesAbstract_3C7930567B86C02861E92B722AFFFDBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSalesOfLoansNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSalesOfLoansNet_23453D69CF50DA97C17F2B722B00AE0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLossesAbstract_3C7930567B86C02861E92B722AFFFDBC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSalesOfLoansNet_23453D69CF50DA97C17F2B722B00AE0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate_47D5D8C0763F8CC2D92B2B722B00AC3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLossesAbstract_3C7930567B86C02861E92B722AFFFDBC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfInvestmentRealEstate_47D5D8C0763F8CC2D92B2B722B00AC3B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_GainsLossesOnSalesOfOtherLimitedPartnerships" xlink:label="loc_bhl_GainsLossesOnSalesOfOtherLimitedPartnerships_9C4AE99610C32F24A70E2B722B0023BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLossesAbstract_3C7930567B86C02861E92B722AFFFDBC" xlink:to="loc_bhl_GainsLossesOnSalesOfOtherLimitedPartnerships_9C4AE99610C32F24A70E2B722B0023BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfInvestments_4E674E83F131D1AD29CC2B722B00C3A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLossesAbstract_3C7930567B86C02861E92B722AFFFDBC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfInvestments_4E674E83F131D1AD29CC2B722B00C3A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_InvestmentPortfolioGainsLosses" xlink:label="loc_bhl_InvestmentPortfolioGainsLosses_DD8211C86457BB3E31A82B722B00E6CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLossesAbstract_3C7930567B86C02861E92B722AFFFDBC" xlink:to="loc_bhl_InvestmentPortfolioGainsLosses_DD8211C86457BB3E31A82B722B00E6CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_ConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_bhl_ConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesAbstract_D0D2452737421BE2FF992B722B0056BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLossesAbstract_3C7930567B86C02861E92B722AFFFDBC" xlink:to="loc_bhl_ConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesAbstract_D0D2452737421BE2FF992B722B0056BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_GainsLossesOnCommercialMortgageLoansHeldByConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesFairValueOption" xlink:label="loc_bhl_GainsLossesOnCommercialMortgageLoansHeldByConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesFairValueOption_DBF1B0424A80937EB8572B722B000561" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_ConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesAbstract_D0D2452737421BE2FF992B722B0056BB" xlink:to="loc_bhl_GainsLossesOnCommercialMortgageLoansHeldByConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesFairValueOption_DBF1B0424A80937EB8572B722B000561" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_GainsLossesOnLongTermDebtOfConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesRelatedToMortgageLoansFairValueOption" xlink:label="loc_bhl_GainsLossesOnLongTermDebtOfConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesRelatedToMortgageLoansFairValueOption_3231336A04B3D41275A42B722B0126C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_ConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesAbstract_D0D2452737421BE2FF992B722B0056BB" xlink:to="loc_bhl_GainsLossesOnLongTermDebtOfConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesRelatedToMortgageLoansFairValueOption_3231336A04B3D41275A42B722B0126C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOtherAssets_CA027A4FC00B8D3820282B722B01066A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_ConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesAbstract_D0D2452737421BE2FF992B722B0056BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOtherAssets_CA027A4FC00B8D3820282B722B01066A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_GainsLossesOnAssetsAndLiabilitiesHeldByConsolidatedSecuritizationsEntitiesUnderFairValueOptionAndAllOtherGainsLosses" xlink:label="loc_bhl_GainsLossesOnAssetsAndLiabilitiesHeldByConsolidatedSecuritizationsEntitiesUnderFairValueOptionAndAllOtherGainsLosses_AA7660294919E0A2109E2B722B01B334" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_ConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesAbstract_D0D2452737421BE2FF992B722B0056BB" xlink:to="loc_bhl_GainsLossesOnAssetsAndLiabilitiesHeldByConsolidatedSecuritizationsEntitiesUnderFairValueOptionAndAllOtherGainsLosses_AA7660294919E0A2109E2B722B01B334" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments_650F8F7594E760F028082B722B01E17D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_ConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesAbstract_D0D2452737421BE2FF992B722B0056BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments_650F8F7594E760F028082B722B01E17D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsConcentrationsOfCreditRiskNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsConsolidatedVariableInterestEntitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_DCE815BA29818B5F31282B722B101C26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_8A9D289E26A6CF66DE082B722B10241E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_DCE815BA29818B5F31282B722B101C26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_8A9D289E26A6CF66DE082B722B10241E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_9ED4F39E217E4761D4BF2B722B10EF81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_8A9D289E26A6CF66DE082B722B10241E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_9ED4F39E217E4761D4BF2B722B10EF81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_0069152F08C3B2BF55CF2B722B10E96B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_9ED4F39E217E4761D4BF2B722B10EF81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_0069152F08C3B2BF55CF2B722B10E96B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_0069152F08C3B2BF55CF2B722B10E96B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_9ED4F39E217E4761D4BF2B722B10EF81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_0069152F08C3B2BF55CF2B722B10E96B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_MrscCollateralFinancingArrangementMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_MrscCollateralFinancingArrangementMember_0C436B418A4822E21D812B722B10728A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_0069152F08C3B2BF55CF2B722B10E96B" xlink:to="loc_bhl_MrscCollateralFinancingArrangementMember_0C436B418A4822E21D812B722B10728A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesMember_3AD860D6EA05B6A84F442B722B10E675" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_0069152F08C3B2BF55CF2B722B10E96B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesMember_3AD860D6EA05B6A84F442B722B10E675" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_73E724C560082D9A75A62B722B1020F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_DCE815BA29818B5F31282B722B101C26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_73E724C560082D9A75A62B722B1020F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_E55020DFD70EA40118292B722B1021B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_73E724C560082D9A75A62B722B1020F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_E55020DFD70EA40118292B722B1021B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable_473A312F7C936821D5982B722B100DE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_73E724C560082D9A75A62B722B1020F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable_473A312F7C936821D5982B722B100DE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountAssets_6CA5261438FC260AB2372B722B109572" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_73E724C560082D9A75A62B722B1020F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountAssets_6CA5261438FC260AB2372B722B109572" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_2202491E5E43845045D52B722B10CD93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_DCE815BA29818B5F31282B722B101C26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_2202491E5E43845045D52B722B10CD93" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_F8E938FBFDDD39FBFAF82B722B1090DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_2202491E5E43845045D52B722B10CD93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_F8E938FBFDDD39FBFAF82B722B1090DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_FB312AB79E89E3EF01F12B722B106DC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_2202491E5E43845045D52B722B10CD93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_FB312AB79E89E3EF01F12B722B106DC1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountLiabilities_A66C1A1E63F75A9E99D52B722B11A66F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_2202491E5E43845045D52B722B10CD93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountLiabilities_A66C1A1E63F75A9E99D52B722B11A66F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsConsolidatedVariableInterestEntitiesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_8A180E06023FBB3983A92B722ACB1F02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_6EDBE4B51EDD94DD8D772B722ACB9579" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_8A180E06023FBB3983A92B722ACB1F02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_6EDBE4B51EDD94DD8D772B722ACB9579" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_D27758023EA35D63FCF32B722ACBB5B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_6EDBE4B51EDD94DD8D772B722ACB9579" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_D27758023EA35D63FCF32B722ACBB5B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_9BC577F3D3483915BDB52B722ACB6E63_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_D27758023EA35D63FCF32B722ACBB5B3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_9BC577F3D3483915BDB52B722ACB6E63_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_9BC577F3D3483915BDB52B722ACB6E63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_D27758023EA35D63FCF32B722ACBB5B3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_9BC577F3D3483915BDB52B722ACB6E63" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesMember_D2BA5BB4F52B2A037AD02B722ACB7582" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_9BC577F3D3483915BDB52B722ACB6E63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesMember_D2BA5BB4F52B2A037AD02B722ACB7582" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityEntityMaximumLossExposureAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityEntityMaximumLossExposureAmount_72E2F0465C747181AEB62B722ACB01BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_8A180E06023FBB3983A92B722ACB1F02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityEntityMaximumLossExposureAmount_72E2F0465C747181AEB62B722ACB01BF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsContinuousGrossUnrealizedLossesForFixedMaturityAndEquitySecuritiesAvailableForSaleDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_903CDAA62642C6E033AD2B722B46019C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_43A2F96D8206DA9647FB2B722B45197B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_903CDAA62642C6E033AD2B722B46019C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_43A2F96D8206DA9647FB2B722B45197B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_F1BEFE90F7A61277649E2B722B4550A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_43A2F96D8206DA9647FB2B722B45197B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_F1BEFE90F7A61277649E2B722B4550A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_BE34AF4D2E4C8AE9628E2B722B456A60_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_F1BEFE90F7A61277649E2B722B4550A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_BE34AF4D2E4C8AE9628E2B722B456A60_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_BE34AF4D2E4C8AE9628E2B722B456A60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_F1BEFE90F7A61277649E2B722B4550A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_BE34AF4D2E4C8AE9628E2B722B456A60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_2EFB94D9277EFE94338A2B722B45E434" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_BE34AF4D2E4C8AE9628E2B722B456A60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_2EFB94D9277EFE94338A2B722B45E434" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_943A026604F2C6DA27D72B722B451BB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_2EFB94D9277EFE94338A2B722B45E434" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_943A026604F2C6DA27D72B722B451BB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember_DA48D6FFB4EB5A1EB5D82B722B4501EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_2EFB94D9277EFE94338A2B722B45E434" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember_DA48D6FFB4EB5A1EB5D82B722B4501EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_1B3032614FE6FD71FE5A2B722B456EAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_2EFB94D9277EFE94338A2B722B45E434" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_1B3032614FE6FD71FE5A2B722B456EAF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_72197DFD394EAA52FC592B722B454406" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_2EFB94D9277EFE94338A2B722B45E434" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_72197DFD394EAA52FC592B722B454406" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_E7470D5809BC5F539B262B722B4532F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_2EFB94D9277EFE94338A2B722B45E434" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_E7470D5809BC5F539B262B722B4532F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_6435BF3A6E5454C5E0CA2B722B459ADB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_2EFB94D9277EFE94338A2B722B45E434" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_6435BF3A6E5454C5E0CA2B722B459ADB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_DC4A7C231AB20A0BCD8A2B722B455970" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_2EFB94D9277EFE94338A2B722B45E434" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_DC4A7C231AB20A0BCD8A2B722B455970" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_661F1E30C923D4DCA6BA2B722B458EF4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_2EFB94D9277EFE94338A2B722B45E434" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_661F1E30C923D4DCA6BA2B722B458EF4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_E92D17CE08C261A2C6A92B722B4538EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_BE34AF4D2E4C8AE9628E2B722B456A60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_E92D17CE08C261A2C6A92B722B4538EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract_9A1A15E3F711D59366432B722B469929" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_903CDAA62642C6E033AD2B722B46019C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract_9A1A15E3F711D59366432B722B469929" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue_D33B2A3A3A42D5B9B4622B722B4642D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_903CDAA62642C6E033AD2B722B46019C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue_D33B2A3A3A42D5B9B4622B722B4642D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss_9EFC53370E9CA80ACFE82B722B46C7B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_903CDAA62642C6E033AD2B722B46019C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss_9EFC53370E9CA80ACFE82B722B46C7B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue_47A676A69DB6DCB195C92B722B46CB37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_903CDAA62642C6E033AD2B722B46019C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue_47A676A69DB6DCB195C92B722B46CB37" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss_74A226BC9C18F84DB29B2B722B46305C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_903CDAA62642C6E033AD2B722B46019C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss_74A226BC9C18F84DB29B2B722B46305C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesInUnrealizedLossPositionsQualitativeDisclosureNumberOfPositionsLessThanOneYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesInUnrealizedLossPositionsQualitativeDisclosureNumberOfPositionsLessThanOneYear_66F74F717CBA0B34A56E2B722B467149" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_903CDAA62642C6E033AD2B722B46019C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesInUnrealizedLossPositionsQualitativeDisclosureNumberOfPositionsLessThanOneYear_66F74F717CBA0B34A56E2B722B467149" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesInUnrealizedLossPositionsQualitativeDisclosureNumberOfPositionsGreaterThanOrEqualToOneYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesInUnrealizedLossPositionsQualitativeDisclosureNumberOfPositionsGreaterThanOrEqualToOneYear_A672437EEC9ADD0C545C2B722B46C013" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_903CDAA62642C6E033AD2B722B46019C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesInUnrealizedLossPositionsQualitativeDisclosureNumberOfPositionsGreaterThanOrEqualToOneYear_A672437EEC9ADD0C545C2B722B46C013" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsCreditLossRollforwardDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsCreditQualityOfAgriculturalAndResidentialMortgageLoansDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems_AA736B100EC98C5078062B722B35838B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable_0C921A4AED35AF8B3E112B722B353C1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems_AA736B100EC98C5078062B722B35838B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable_0C921A4AED35AF8B3E112B722B353C1F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_80B0E8C97FC5DB89B0532B722B35FA21" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable_0C921A4AED35AF8B3E112B722B353C1F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_80B0E8C97FC5DB89B0532B722B35FA21" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_D9F95246F9C5DAC312F02B722B35E1CF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_80B0E8C97FC5DB89B0532B722B35FA21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_D9F95246F9C5DAC312F02B722B35E1CF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_D9F95246F9C5DAC312F02B722B35E1CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_80B0E8C97FC5DB89B0532B722B35FA21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_D9F95246F9C5DAC312F02B722B35E1CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeOneMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeOneMember_1274DEB731D747F4FD7E2B722B350D3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_D9F95246F9C5DAC312F02B722B35E1CF" xlink:to="loc_bhl_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeOneMember_1274DEB731D747F4FD7E2B722B350D3B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeTwoMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeTwoMember_186AF4028443D7D9DA0C2B722B35FBCC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_D9F95246F9C5DAC312F02B722B35E1CF" xlink:to="loc_bhl_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeTwoMember_186AF4028443D7D9DA0C2B722B35FBCC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PerformingFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PerformingFinancingReceivableMember_A1F32022C0FE505215F02B722B3596C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_D9F95246F9C5DAC312F02B722B35E1CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PerformingFinancingReceivableMember_A1F32022C0FE505215F02B722B3596C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonperformingFinancingReceivableMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonperformingFinancingReceivableMember_D51553C7FC9C2C0837362B722B35D673" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_D9F95246F9C5DAC312F02B722B35E1CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonperformingFinancingReceivableMember_D51553C7FC9C2C0837362B722B35D673" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_AgriculturalMortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorAbstract" xlink:label="loc_bhl_AgriculturalMortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorAbstract_016FE290F0FFE4C296AB2B722B35A6FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems_AA736B100EC98C5078062B722B35838B" xlink:to="loc_bhl_AgriculturalMortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorAbstract_016FE290F0FFE4C296AB2B722B35A6FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansReceivableCommercialAgricultural" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableCommercialAgricultural_2A5079B95E25E8475BBE2B722B35DBC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_AgriculturalMortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorAbstract_016FE290F0FFE4C296AB2B722B35A6FD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableCommercialAgricultural_2A5079B95E25E8475BBE2B722B35DBC5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_LoansReceivableCommercialAgriculturalMortgagePercentage" xlink:label="loc_bhl_LoansReceivableCommercialAgriculturalMortgagePercentage_181B6516793E8EB48FD62B722B357D96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_AgriculturalMortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorAbstract_016FE290F0FFE4C296AB2B722B35A6FD" xlink:to="loc_bhl_LoansReceivableCommercialAgriculturalMortgagePercentage_181B6516793E8EB48FD62B722B357D96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_ResidentialMortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorAbstract" xlink:label="loc_bhl_ResidentialMortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorAbstract_548F35880BF7C920D9D82B722B3620F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems_AA736B100EC98C5078062B722B35838B" xlink:to="loc_bhl_ResidentialMortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorAbstract_548F35880BF7C920D9D82B722B3620F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerMortgage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerMortgage_89E5083C513EECD6EF832B722B36EDBA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_ResidentialMortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorAbstract_548F35880BF7C920D9D82B722B3620F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerMortgage_89E5083C513EECD6EF832B722B36EDBA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerMortgagePercentage" xlink:label="loc_bhl_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerMortgagePercentage_0416B066FA11085D87342B722B36C96B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_ResidentialMortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorAbstract_548F35880BF7C920D9D82B722B3620F4" xlink:to="loc_bhl_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerMortgagePercentage_0416B066FA11085D87342B722B36C96B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsCreditQualityOfCommercialMortgageLoansDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems_794310D63EC4BB29C27F2B722B3A9584" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateScheduleTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateScheduleTable_B3F01B6F3BEE951EA4232B722B392C91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems_794310D63EC4BB29C27F2B722B3A9584" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateScheduleTable_B3F01B6F3BEE951EA4232B722B392C91" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_DebtServiceCoverageRatioByRangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_bhl_DebtServiceCoverageRatioByRangeAxis_8CE0F2D899C5158CB0352B722B3A3083" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateScheduleTable_B3F01B6F3BEE951EA4232B722B392C91" xlink:to="loc_bhl_DebtServiceCoverageRatioByRangeAxis_8CE0F2D899C5158CB0352B722B3A3083" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_DebtServiceCoverageRatioByRangeDomain" xlink:label="loc_bhl_DebtServiceCoverageRatioByRangeDomain_BC9443171941819102F12B722B3A63A7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_bhl_DebtServiceCoverageRatioByRangeAxis_8CE0F2D899C5158CB0352B722B3A3083" xlink:to="loc_bhl_DebtServiceCoverageRatioByRangeDomain_BC9443171941819102F12B722B3A63A7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_DebtServiceCoverageRatioByRangeDomain" xlink:label="loc_bhl_DebtServiceCoverageRatioByRangeDomain_BC9443171941819102F12B722B3A63A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_bhl_DebtServiceCoverageRatioByRangeAxis_8CE0F2D899C5158CB0352B722B3A3083" xlink:to="loc_bhl_DebtServiceCoverageRatioByRangeDomain_BC9443171941819102F12B722B3A63A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeOneMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeOneMember_9302EDFAB15CC0C161542B722B3A6407" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_DebtServiceCoverageRatioByRangeDomain_BC9443171941819102F12B722B3A63A7" xlink:to="loc_bhl_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeOneMember_9302EDFAB15CC0C161542B722B3A6407" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeTwoMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeTwoMember_731096ED201A2880CACE2B722B3AE348" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_DebtServiceCoverageRatioByRangeDomain_BC9443171941819102F12B722B3A63A7" xlink:to="loc_bhl_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeTwoMember_731096ED201A2880CACE2B722B3AE348" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeThreeMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeThreeMember_2CFFCCFFD82A0DBFB43D2B722B3A4EAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_DebtServiceCoverageRatioByRangeDomain_BC9443171941819102F12B722B3A63A7" xlink:to="loc_bhl_DebtServiceCoverageRatioRangeThreeMember_2CFFCCFFD82A0DBFB43D2B722B3A4EAD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_DAA7DFEA896AD6898E392B722B3A8ED9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateScheduleTable_B3F01B6F3BEE951EA4232B722B392C91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_DAA7DFEA896AD6898E392B722B3A8ED9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_E3E3A926A65B8F3252FB2B722B3A6AD8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_DAA7DFEA896AD6898E392B722B3A8ED9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_E3E3A926A65B8F3252FB2B722B3A6AD8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_E3E3A926A65B8F3252FB2B722B3A6AD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_DAA7DFEA896AD6898E392B722B3A8ED9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_E3E3A926A65B8F3252FB2B722B3A6AD8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeOneMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeOneMember_10EA2CC62C7D6829D4A42B722B3A2F32" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_E3E3A926A65B8F3252FB2B722B3A6AD8" xlink:to="loc_bhl_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeOneMember_10EA2CC62C7D6829D4A42B722B3A2F32" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeTwoMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeTwoMember_3C3F774F73984BE5D62C2B722B3AB152" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_E3E3A926A65B8F3252FB2B722B3A6AD8" xlink:to="loc_bhl_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeTwoMember_3C3F774F73984BE5D62C2B722B3AB152" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeThreeMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeThreeMember_6EA2EA13FEE7A5EB69672B722B3ABB3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_E3E3A926A65B8F3252FB2B722B3A6AD8" xlink:to="loc_bhl_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeThreeMember_6EA2EA13FEE7A5EB69672B722B3ABB3B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeFourMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeFourMember_C39C897B155A3A6435A42B722B3AE8F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_E3E3A926A65B8F3252FB2B722B3A6AD8" xlink:to="loc_bhl_MortgageLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorRangeFourMember_C39C897B155A3A6435A42B722B3AE8F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansReceivableCommercialMortgage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableCommercialMortgage_1AE94FC73E8FC917717E2B722B3ACFB5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems_794310D63EC4BB29C27F2B722B3A9584" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableCommercialMortgage_1AE94FC73E8FC917717E2B722B3ACFB5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_LoansReceivableCommercialMortgagePercentage" xlink:label="loc_bhl_LoansReceivableCommercialMortgagePercentage_469D499A46ADD01724FF2B722B3A2D1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems_794310D63EC4BB29C27F2B722B3A9584" xlink:to="loc_bhl_LoansReceivableCommercialMortgagePercentage_469D499A46ADD01724FF2B722B3A2D1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_EstimatedFairValueCommercialMortgage" xlink:label="loc_bhl_EstimatedFairValueCommercialMortgage_F35B995487B45105F3B52B722B3A95CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems_794310D63EC4BB29C27F2B722B3A9584" xlink:to="loc_bhl_EstimatedFairValueCommercialMortgage_F35B995487B45105F3B52B722B3A95CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_EstimatedFairValueCommercialMortgagePercentage" xlink:label="loc_bhl_EstimatedFairValueCommercialMortgagePercentage_F5BD107986E1A28BC8EE2B722B3A4E89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems_794310D63EC4BB29C27F2B722B3A9584" xlink:to="loc_bhl_EstimatedFairValueCommercialMortgagePercentage_F5BD107986E1A28BC8EE2B722B3A4E89" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsEvaluationOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesForOttiAndEvaluatingTemporarilyImpairedAfsSecuritiesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_EB7F5C6B47BC736093122B722AE974DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_E4E8E3534CC0AFD80D7F2B722AE84CAC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_EB7F5C6B47BC736093122B722AE974DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_E4E8E3534CC0AFD80D7F2B722AE84CAC" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_ScheduleOfSecuritiesByPercentAxis" xlink:label="loc_bhl_ScheduleOfSecuritiesByPercentAxis_311504B8C7ECE2D5D5B42B722AE81A15" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_E4E8E3534CC0AFD80D7F2B722AE84CAC" xlink:to="loc_bhl_ScheduleOfSecuritiesByPercentAxis_311504B8C7ECE2D5D5B42B722AE81A15" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_SecuritiesByPercentDomain" xlink:label="loc_bhl_SecuritiesByPercentDomain_42847EF4B30350A0F5FD2B722AE81EE9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_bhl_ScheduleOfSecuritiesByPercentAxis_311504B8C7ECE2D5D5B42B722AE81A15" xlink:to="loc_bhl_SecuritiesByPercentDomain_42847EF4B30350A0F5FD2B722AE81EE9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_SecuritiesByPercentDomain" xlink:label="loc_bhl_SecuritiesByPercentDomain_42847EF4B30350A0F5FD2B722AE81EE9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_bhl_ScheduleOfSecuritiesByPercentAxis_311504B8C7ECE2D5D5B42B722AE81A15" xlink:to="loc_bhl_SecuritiesByPercentDomain_42847EF4B30350A0F5FD2B722AE81EE9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_TwentyPercentOrMoreMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_TwentyPercentOrMoreMember_264E5367A7DAFDB13EBD2B722AE84636" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_SecuritiesByPercentDomain_42847EF4B30350A0F5FD2B722AE81EE9" xlink:to="loc_bhl_TwentyPercentOrMoreMember_264E5367A7DAFDB13EBD2B722AE84636" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_ScheduleOfSecuritiesByDurationAxis" xlink:label="loc_bhl_ScheduleOfSecuritiesByDurationAxis_731FADE91A5399E581862B722AE85FBA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_E4E8E3534CC0AFD80D7F2B722AE84CAC" xlink:to="loc_bhl_ScheduleOfSecuritiesByDurationAxis_731FADE91A5399E581862B722AE85FBA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_SecuritiesByDurationDomain" xlink:label="loc_bhl_SecuritiesByDurationDomain_1D4687B32968674B61462B722AE8560C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_bhl_ScheduleOfSecuritiesByDurationAxis_731FADE91A5399E581862B722AE85FBA" xlink:to="loc_bhl_SecuritiesByDurationDomain_1D4687B32968674B61462B722AE8560C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_SecuritiesByDurationDomain" xlink:label="loc_bhl_SecuritiesByDurationDomain_1D4687B32968674B61462B722AE8560C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_bhl_ScheduleOfSecuritiesByDurationAxis_731FADE91A5399E581862B722AE85FBA" xlink:to="loc_bhl_SecuritiesByDurationDomain_1D4687B32968674B61462B722AE8560C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_SixMonthsOrGreaterMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_SixMonthsOrGreaterMember_45160077A2D8232464FF2B722AE80BCD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_SecuritiesByDurationDomain_1D4687B32968674B61462B722AE8560C" xlink:to="loc_bhl_SixMonthsOrGreaterMember_45160077A2D8232464FF2B722AE80BCD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_015E55D63F6567F59D9E2B722AE9422F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_E4E8E3534CC0AFD80D7F2B722AE84CAC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_015E55D63F6567F59D9E2B722AE9422F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_501A363A452E482391862B722AE92E9E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_015E55D63F6567F59D9E2B722AE9422F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_501A363A452E482391862B722AE92E9E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_501A363A452E482391862B722AE92E9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_015E55D63F6567F59D9E2B722AE9422F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_501A363A452E482391862B722AE92E9E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_DB4E1FC2489B4C5642CA2B722AE9C8CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_501A363A452E482391862B722AE92E9E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_DB4E1FC2489B4C5642CA2B722AE9C8CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis_0D2520A2365A0D1CBB5B2B722AE9AC29" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_E4E8E3534CC0AFD80D7F2B722AE84CAC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis_0D2520A2365A0D1CBB5B2B722AE9AC29" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain_D817F11858C0FA564E6B2B722AE966B2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis_0D2520A2365A0D1CBB5B2B722AE9AC29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain_D817F11858C0FA564E6B2B722AE966B2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain_D817F11858C0FA564E6B2B722AE966B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis_0D2520A2365A0D1CBB5B2B722AE9AC29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain_D817F11858C0FA564E6B2B722AE966B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingInvestmentGradeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingInvestmentGradeMember_4B9CEF61DC31A15933BC2B722AE96AD4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain_D817F11858C0FA564E6B2B722AE966B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingInvestmentGradeMember_4B9CEF61DC31A15933BC2B722AE96AD4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesChangeInNetUnrealizedHoldingGainLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesChangeInNetUnrealizedHoldingGainLoss_ED00EBBC900DCEBBFEFB2B722AE97EDD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_EB7F5C6B47BC736093122B722AE974DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesChangeInNetUnrealizedHoldingGainLoss_ED00EBBC900DCEBBFEFB2B722AE97EDD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss_AC13F621945EC7242BAC2B722AE944B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_EB7F5C6B47BC736093122B722AE974DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss_AC13F621945EC7242BAC2B722AE944B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesInUnrealizedLossPositionsQualitativeDisclosureNumberOfPositions1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesInUnrealizedLossPositionsQualitativeDisclosureNumberOfPositions1_9607AC3A1907F1F9EA2E2B722AE97027" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_EB7F5C6B47BC736093122B722AE974DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesInUnrealizedLossPositionsQualitativeDisclosureNumberOfPositions1_9607AC3A1907F1F9EA2E2B722AE97027" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_FixedMaturitiesAvailableForSaleWithGrossUnrealizedLossOfEqualToOrGreaterThanStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_bhl_FixedMaturitiesAvailableForSaleWithGrossUnrealizedLossOfEqualToOrGreaterThanStatedPercentage_FB1DCD9B8C91CB23984D2B722AE9F4E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_EB7F5C6B47BC736093122B722AE974DC" xlink:to="loc_bhl_FixedMaturitiesAvailableForSaleWithGrossUnrealizedLossOfEqualToOrGreaterThanStatedPercentage_FB1DCD9B8C91CB23984D2B722AE9F4E0" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsFixedMaturityAndEquitySecuritiesAvailableForSaleBySectorDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_1BFF35EC7751548BC4A348A2F185A330" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_38A65F1CD64F20599A8E48A2F1853E97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_1BFF35EC7751548BC4A348A2F185A330" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_38A65F1CD64F20599A8E48A2F1853E97" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_26B37AA17A1173B5221648A2F1851410" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_38A65F1CD64F20599A8E48A2F1853E97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_26B37AA17A1173B5221648A2F1851410" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_3FF4CFF81AEA25B292F648A2F1857948_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_26B37AA17A1173B5221648A2F1851410" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_3FF4CFF81AEA25B292F648A2F1857948_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_3FF4CFF81AEA25B292F648A2F1857948" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_26B37AA17A1173B5221648A2F1851410" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_3FF4CFF81AEA25B292F648A2F1857948" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_D99E3BC98DC6D990FE1048A2F185F589" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_3FF4CFF81AEA25B292F648A2F1857948" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_D99E3BC98DC6D990FE1048A2F185F589" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_07D8567FCAFFD2D8189648A2F185194B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_D99E3BC98DC6D990FE1048A2F185F589" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_07D8567FCAFFD2D8189648A2F185194B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember_46036DB6903F6901EEBC48A2F1858A97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_D99E3BC98DC6D990FE1048A2F185F589" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember_46036DB6903F6901EEBC48A2F1858A97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_14C40B97831CA20176CE48A2F185B6ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_D99E3BC98DC6D990FE1048A2F185F589" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_14C40B97831CA20176CE48A2F185B6ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_41565CE5B104FB73FF9548A2F18531FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_D99E3BC98DC6D990FE1048A2F185F589" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_41565CE5B104FB73FF9548A2F18531FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_23CD1E01B7FB05A0E28F48A2F185ACB3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_D99E3BC98DC6D990FE1048A2F185F589" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_23CD1E01B7FB05A0E28F48A2F185ACB3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_D54AA2D8B7086B5F3F3448A2F185CBE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_D99E3BC98DC6D990FE1048A2F185F589" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_D54AA2D8B7086B5F3F3448A2F185CBE0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_ADC9EFDA8929A9B45E8948A2F1850B5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_D99E3BC98DC6D990FE1048A2F185F589" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_ADC9EFDA8929A9B45E8948A2F1850B5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_2F15E67A15526D685BDE48A2F185E366" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_D99E3BC98DC6D990FE1048A2F185F589" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_2F15E67A15526D685BDE48A2F185E366" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_2C53DE9E5E10C52B8C8C48A2F185AF71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_D99E3BC98DC6D990FE1048A2F185F589" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_2C53DE9E5E10C52B8C8C48A2F185AF71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_26BBD7BFAD2A6906F6F748A2F185E50C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_1BFF35EC7751548BC4A348A2F185A330" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_26BBD7BFAD2A6906F6F748A2F185E50C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_46ECEEBA106811D5991448A2F185861B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_26BBD7BFAD2A6906F6F748A2F185E50C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_46ECEEBA106811D5991448A2F185861B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleEquitySecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleEquitySecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_9250863806602E76515C48A2F185B6CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_26BBD7BFAD2A6906F6F748A2F185E50C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleEquitySecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_9250863806602E76515C48A2F185B6CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax_70E994818864C412820848A2F185CC46" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_26BBD7BFAD2A6906F6F748A2F185E50C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax_70E994818864C412820848A2F185CC46" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_67F6A4EE4CFD37C951AD48A2F185FE68" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_26BBD7BFAD2A6906F6F748A2F185E50C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_67F6A4EE4CFD37C951AD48A2F185FE68" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsOnDebtSecuritiesTransferredToOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_bhl_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsOnDebtSecuritiesTransferredToOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss_ED3D54947B4907CE728448A2F185378B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_26BBD7BFAD2A6906F6F748A2F185E50C" xlink:to="loc_bhl_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsOnDebtSecuritiesTransferredToOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss_ED3D54947B4907CE728448A2F185378B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsOnEquitySecuritiesTransferredToOtherComprehensiveLoss" xlink:label="loc_bhl_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsOnEquitySecuritiesTransferredToOtherComprehensiveLoss_1D3A5986D362D5FDEFFC48A2F185D12D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_26BBD7BFAD2A6906F6F748A2F185E50C" xlink:to="loc_bhl_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsOnEquitySecuritiesTransferredToOtherComprehensiveLoss_1D3A5986D362D5FDEFFC48A2F185D12D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_BC12915A91A9E896BE4F48A2F185EB9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_26BBD7BFAD2A6906F6F748A2F185E50C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_BC12915A91A9E896BE4F48A2F185EB9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecurities_5492B042B6F7E7FF625148A2F185EA11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_26BBD7BFAD2A6906F6F748A2F185E50C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecurities_5492B042B6F7E7FF625148A2F185EA11" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsFixedMaturityAndEquitySecuritiesAvailableForSaleNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_EE23388C3627476B2680300CC7781552" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_E05A11994393FE0B38CE300CC77828DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_EE23388C3627476B2680300CC7781552" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_E05A11994393FE0B38CE300CC77828DE" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_1EFAC398069166CDC4A3300CC7784334" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_E05A11994393FE0B38CE300CC77828DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_1EFAC398069166CDC4A3300CC7784334" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_301DC232F11788CA48BD300CC778B78F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_1EFAC398069166CDC4A3300CC7784334" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_301DC232F11788CA48BD300CC778B78F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_301DC232F11788CA48BD300CC778B78F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_1EFAC398069166CDC4A3300CC7784334" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_301DC232F11788CA48BD300CC778B78F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_C369480ACF0EF271C001300CC7781B1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_301DC232F11788CA48BD300CC778B78F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_C369480ACF0EF271C001300CC7781B1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_8EDC168853AEA399D583300CC77819AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_E05A11994393FE0B38CE300CC77828DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_8EDC168853AEA399D583300CC77819AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_4D531D40877ECF65EE61300CC77862C0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_8EDC168853AEA399D583300CC77819AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_4D531D40877ECF65EE61300CC77862C0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_4D531D40877ECF65EE61300CC77862C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_8EDC168853AEA399D583300CC77819AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_4D531D40877ECF65EE61300CC77862C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_NonIncomeProducingDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_NonIncomeProducingDebtSecuritiesMember_D87A6694CE5365F84B62300CC7784F0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_4D531D40877ECF65EE61300CC77862C0" xlink:to="loc_bhl_NonIncomeProducingDebtSecuritiesMember_D87A6694CE5365F84B62300CC7784F0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesFixedMaturitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesFixedMaturitiesAbstract_8A3B71768A4E5A6FC3FA300CC778C836" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_EE23388C3627476B2680300CC7781552" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesFixedMaturitiesAbstract_8A3B71768A4E5A6FC3FA300CC778C836" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_4D716AE5793C63D9ECFF300CC7787403" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesFixedMaturitiesAbstract_8A3B71768A4E5A6FC3FA300CC778C836" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_4D716AE5793C63D9ECFF300CC7787403" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainLossBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainLossBeforeTax_D0C1BD9E520B33690EF0300CC7792A96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesFixedMaturitiesAbstract_8A3B71768A4E5A6FC3FA300CC778C836" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainLossBeforeTax_D0C1BD9E520B33690EF0300CC7792A96" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsInvestedAssetsOnDepositHeldInTrustAndPledgedAsCollateralDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsInvestedAssetsOnDepositHeldInTrustAndPledgedAsCollateralNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_24D68F0D588854DAE76144A068043345" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_0B9CBA5776CAA642952A44A06803C8A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_24D68F0D588854DAE76144A068043345" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_0B9CBA5776CAA642952A44A06803C8A9" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_7001450FF828836E348D44A0680347FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_0B9CBA5776CAA642952A44A06803C8A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_7001450FF828836E348D44A0680347FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_F6DBE5C882DA740D237444A068039A54_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_7001450FF828836E348D44A0680347FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_F6DBE5C882DA740D237444A068039A54_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_F6DBE5C882DA740D237444A068039A54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_7001450FF828836E348D44A0680347FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_F6DBE5C882DA740D237444A068039A54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_96B9F91F9B624B778C4E44A06803A4DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_F6DBE5C882DA740D237444A068039A54" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_96B9F91F9B624B778C4E44A06803A4DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_9BD2ECE86B6B51B6AA1944A06804F5F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_0B9CBA5776CAA642952A44A06803C8A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_9BD2ECE86B6B51B6AA1944A06804F5F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_82FA956C0C858C5E0E1744A068047A95_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_9BD2ECE86B6B51B6AA1944A06804F5F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_82FA956C0C858C5E0E1744A068047A95_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_82FA956C0C858C5E0E1744A068047A95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_9BD2ECE86B6B51B6AA1944A06804F5F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_82FA956C0C858C5E0E1744A068047A95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_PolicyholderAccountBalancesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_PolicyholderAccountBalancesMember_A9CA77D22CAB820FC43D44A0680441CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_82FA956C0C858C5E0E1744A068047A95" xlink:to="loc_bhl_PolicyholderAccountBalancesMember_A9CA77D22CAB820FC43D44A0680441CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_ReinsuranceMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_ReinsuranceMember_49F90F00BDB1D009BA5044A068047C23" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_82FA956C0C858C5E0E1744A068047A95" xlink:to="loc_bhl_ReinsuranceMember_49F90F00BDB1D009BA5044A068047C23" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepositAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepositAssets_CC3045166B48D01F836A44A0680494D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_24D68F0D588854DAE76144A068043345" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepositAssets_CC3045166B48D01F836A44A0680494D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsHeldInTrust" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsHeldInTrust_DCD66A373B1A36D827CC44A068041D57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_24D68F0D588854DAE76144A068043345" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsHeldInTrust_DCD66A373B1A36D827CC44A068041D57" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsInvestmentInLeverageLeasesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsInvestmentsOtherInvestedAssetsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C1596865E2C4E18DC1E544A06812FB21" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_5A9EB20116944C1E61D944A068114A53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C1596865E2C4E18DC1E544A06812FB21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_5A9EB20116944C1E61D944A068114A53" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_4ADA83B44A184E454FA244A06811B450" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_5A9EB20116944C1E61D944A068114A53" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_4ADA83B44A184E454FA244A06811B450" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_6B2EB477B57136A0153044A0681118E0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_4ADA83B44A184E454FA244A06811B450" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_6B2EB477B57136A0153044A0681118E0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_6B2EB477B57136A0153044A0681118E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_4ADA83B44A184E454FA244A06811B450" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_6B2EB477B57136A0153044A0681118E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_OtherInvestedAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_OtherInvestedAssetsMember_7DC565EFEF20A81A30C944A06812D224" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_6B2EB477B57136A0153044A0681118E0" xlink:to="loc_bhl_OtherInvestedAssetsMember_7DC565EFEF20A81A30C944A06812D224" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_PercentageEstimatedFairValue" xlink:label="loc_bhl_PercentageEstimatedFairValue_ADAC70A828124E21E12F44A0681265E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C1596865E2C4E18DC1E544A06812FB21" xlink:to="loc_bhl_PercentageEstimatedFairValue_ADAC70A828124E21E12F44A0681265E9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsLeverageLeasesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableDisclosureLineItems_B5AF57DADC59EECA3E6D2B722ADCFED3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionTable_925F28FCEA37C697ECE22B722ADC3872" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableDisclosureLineItems_B5AF57DADC59EECA3E6D2B722ADCFED3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionTable_925F28FCEA37C697ECE22B722ADC3872" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_9258FFC51322D9F09ED32B722ADC302E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionTable_925F28FCEA37C697ECE22B722ADC3872" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_9258FFC51322D9F09ED32B722ADC302E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_E59328D6474E590D3B072B722ADC7E75_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_9258FFC51322D9F09ED32B722ADC302E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_E59328D6474E590D3B072B722ADC7E75_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_E59328D6474E590D3B072B722ADC7E75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_9258FFC51322D9F09ED32B722ADC302E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_E59328D6474E590D3B072B722ADC7E75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_F9AFA6FCCD7E5E647E4C2B722ADC847A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_E59328D6474E590D3B072B722ADC7E75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_F9AFA6FCCD7E5E647E4C2B722ADC847A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_E3D3C586744504B136ED2B722ADC43FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_E59328D6474E590D3B072B722ADC7E75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_E3D3C586744504B136ED2B722ADC43FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LessorLeasingArrangementsOperatingLeasesTermOfContract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LessorLeasingArrangementsOperatingLeasesTermOfContract_9B1B03383372D00FB3DB2B722ADC5B03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableDisclosureLineItems_B5AF57DADC59EECA3E6D2B722ADCFED3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LessorLeasingArrangementsOperatingLeasesTermOfContract_9B1B03383372D00FB3DB2B722ADC5B03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_LoansAndLeasesReceivableRatioOfPerformingLoansToAllLoans" xlink:label="loc_bhl_LoansAndLeasesReceivableRatioOfPerformingLoansToAllLoans_C749B3EB9EB5A0DD3C4D2B722ADCA341" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableDisclosureLineItems_B5AF57DADC59EECA3E6D2B722ADCFED3" xlink:to="loc_bhl_LoansAndLeasesReceivableRatioOfPerformingLoansToAllLoans_C749B3EB9EB5A0DD3C4D2B722ADCA341" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeveragedLeasesNetInvestmentInLeveragedLeasesDisclosureDeferredTaxesArisingFromLeveragedLeases" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeveragedLeasesNetInvestmentInLeveragedLeasesDisclosureDeferredTaxesArisingFromLeveragedLeases_A7CF415925B64029BE2B2B722ADC0DDE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableDisclosureLineItems_B5AF57DADC59EECA3E6D2B722ADCFED3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeveragedLeasesNetInvestmentInLeveragedLeasesDisclosureDeferredTaxesArisingFromLeveragedLeases_A7CF415925B64029BE2B2B722ADC0DDE" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsMaturitiesOfFixedMaturitySecuritiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsMortgageLoansByPortfolioSegmentDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems_9791F8ACBBEE1B725CD02B722B3F54D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateScheduleTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateScheduleTable_A14B95CD3D4F8F0359ED2B722B3F3603" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems_9791F8ACBBEE1B725CD02B722B3F54D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateScheduleTable_A14B95CD3D4F8F0359ED2B722B3F3603" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_41D89E976969B61263CB2B722B3FFE31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateScheduleTable_A14B95CD3D4F8F0359ED2B722B3F3603" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_41D89E976969B61263CB2B722B3FFE31" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4EA63C75727BEF4A3C542B722B3F2B80_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_41D89E976969B61263CB2B722B3FFE31" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4EA63C75727BEF4A3C542B722B3F2B80_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4EA63C75727BEF4A3C542B722B3F2B80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_41D89E976969B61263CB2B722B3FFE31" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4EA63C75727BEF4A3C542B722B3F2B80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesMember_51196702CFEBB01172AD2B722B3F910F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4EA63C75727BEF4A3C542B722B3F2B80" xlink:to="loc_bhl_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesMember_51196702CFEBB01172AD2B722B3F910F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetCurrentAbstract_20971D675A44FC9836802B722B3F35E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems_9791F8ACBBEE1B725CD02B722B3F54D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetCurrentAbstract_20971D675A44FC9836802B722B3F35E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansReceivableCommercialMortgage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableCommercialMortgage_1B8A4D97A8091739419E2B722B40F569" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetCurrentAbstract_20971D675A44FC9836802B722B3F35E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableCommercialMortgage_1B8A4D97A8091739419E2B722B40F569" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_PercentageOfLoansReceivableCommercialMortgageToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet" xlink:label="loc_bhl_PercentageOfLoansReceivableCommercialMortgageToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_AA74B39EE6BD0D2723D52B722B40B085" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetCurrentAbstract_20971D675A44FC9836802B722B3F35E5" xlink:to="loc_bhl_PercentageOfLoansReceivableCommercialMortgageToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_AA74B39EE6BD0D2723D52B722B40B085" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansReceivableCommercialAgricultural" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableCommercialAgricultural_D7C36066CFB5B205FD212B722B40BC71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetCurrentAbstract_20971D675A44FC9836802B722B3F35E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableCommercialAgricultural_D7C36066CFB5B205FD212B722B40BC71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_PercentageOfLoansReceivableCommercialAgriculturalToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet" xlink:label="loc_bhl_PercentageOfLoansReceivableCommercialAgriculturalToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_60E605DBF91484C52E492B722B404BEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetCurrentAbstract_20971D675A44FC9836802B722B3F35E5" xlink:to="loc_bhl_PercentageOfLoansReceivableCommercialAgriculturalToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_60E605DBF91484C52E492B722B404BEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerMortgage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerMortgage_FE657D076C2661C82E692B722B403BE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetCurrentAbstract_20971D675A44FC9836802B722B3F35E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerMortgage_FE657D076C2661C82E692B722B403BE0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_PercentageOfLoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerMortgageToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet" xlink:label="loc_bhl_PercentageOfLoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerMortgageToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_6A1889F991B39DB5987B2B722B402308" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetCurrentAbstract_20971D675A44FC9836802B722B3F35E5" xlink:to="loc_bhl_PercentageOfLoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerMortgageToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_6A1889F991B39DB5987B2B722B402308" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_MortgageLoansHeldForInvestment" xlink:label="loc_bhl_MortgageLoansHeldForInvestment_299CCE8C16C594C6D10D2B722B40D9C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetCurrentAbstract_20971D675A44FC9836802B722B3F35E5" xlink:to="loc_bhl_MortgageLoansHeldForInvestment_299CCE8C16C594C6D10D2B722B40D9C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_PercentageOfMortgageLoansHeldForInvestmentToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet" xlink:label="loc_bhl_PercentageOfMortgageLoansHeldForInvestmentToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_1EAF50CCD23CE29DB42F2B722B40BDE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetCurrentAbstract_20971D675A44FC9836802B722B3F35E5" xlink:to="loc_bhl_PercentageOfMortgageLoansHeldForInvestmentToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_1EAF50CCD23CE29DB42F2B722B40BDE4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstate_035BC503BB0A423D99D62B722B408EAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetCurrentAbstract_20971D675A44FC9836802B722B3F35E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstate_035BC503BB0A423D99D62B722B408EAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_PercentageOfAllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstateToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet" xlink:label="loc_bhl_PercentageOfAllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstateToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_535F0BF63DA5242949AB2B722B40535F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetCurrentAbstract_20971D675A44FC9836802B722B3F35E5" xlink:to="loc_bhl_PercentageOfAllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesRealEstateToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_535F0BF63DA5242949AB2B722B40535F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmount_04F3456B91C00D7F703C2B722B403887" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetCurrentAbstract_20971D675A44FC9836802B722B3F35E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmount_04F3456B91C00D7F703C2B722B403887" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_PercentageOfMortgageLoansHeldForInvestmentNetToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet" xlink:label="loc_bhl_PercentageOfMortgageLoansHeldForInvestmentNetToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_C8D802A5E51AC79FB3C42B722B4077E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetCurrentAbstract_20971D675A44FC9836802B722B3F35E5" xlink:to="loc_bhl_PercentageOfMortgageLoansHeldForInvestmentNetToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_C8D802A5E51AC79FB3C42B722B4077E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_PercentageOfCommercialMortgageLoansHeldByConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesFairValueOptionToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet" xlink:label="loc_bhl_PercentageOfCommercialMortgageLoansHeldByConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesFairValueOptionToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_1BFEF4978D67240526162B722B40BF18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetCurrentAbstract_20971D675A44FC9836802B722B3F35E5" xlink:to="loc_bhl_PercentageOfCommercialMortgageLoansHeldByConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesFairValueOptionToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_1BFEF4978D67240526162B722B40BF18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstate_AF3E59D88590EF2080CD2B722B40F03B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetCurrentAbstract_20971D675A44FC9836802B722B3F35E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstate_AF3E59D88590EF2080CD2B722B40F03B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_PercentageOfMortgageLoansOnRealEstateToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet" xlink:label="loc_bhl_PercentageOfMortgageLoansOnRealEstateToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_2360E85DBF864EBA83EC2B722B40E57F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetCurrentAbstract_20971D675A44FC9836802B722B3F35E5" xlink:to="loc_bhl_PercentageOfMortgageLoansOnRealEstateToMortgageLoansOnRealEstateCommercialAndConsumerNet_2360E85DBF864EBA83EC2B722B40E57F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsMortgageLoansNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems_3EC8EE3288DAEDBADB602B722AE35885" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateScheduleTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateScheduleTable_E7D606BF27D8049AFEC32B722AE30535" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems_3EC8EE3288DAEDBADB602B722AE35885" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateScheduleTable_E7D606BF27D8049AFEC32B722AE30535" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_46DB23E4AEA9CA6D738D2B722AE3696D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateScheduleTable_E7D606BF27D8049AFEC32B722AE30535" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_46DB23E4AEA9CA6D738D2B722AE3696D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_B97A5271E48ECBA6E2ED2B722AE3F2BA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_46DB23E4AEA9CA6D738D2B722AE3696D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_B97A5271E48ECBA6E2ED2B722AE3F2BA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_B97A5271E48ECBA6E2ED2B722AE3F2BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_46DB23E4AEA9CA6D738D2B722AE3696D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_B97A5271E48ECBA6E2ED2B722AE3F2BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember_892B49C6F6322E80848D2B722AE3E9BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_B97A5271E48ECBA6E2ED2B722AE3F2BA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember_892B49C6F6322E80848D2B722AE3E9BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanTypeAxis_16CCCA0EAB94E4D8ABB82B722AE39106" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateScheduleTable_E7D606BF27D8049AFEC32B722AE30535" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanTypeAxis_16CCCA0EAB94E4D8ABB82B722AE39106" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanTypeDomain_3D91FBFF07760F55422C2B722AE34AD2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanTypeAxis_16CCCA0EAB94E4D8ABB82B722AE39106" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanTypeDomain_3D91FBFF07760F55422C2B722AE34AD2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanTypeDomain_3D91FBFF07760F55422C2B722AE34AD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanTypeAxis_16CCCA0EAB94E4D8ABB82B722AE39106" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanTypeDomain_3D91FBFF07760F55422C2B722AE34AD2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_AgriculturalPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_AgriculturalPortfolioSegmentMember_048B8C416096202B76982B722AE34DFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanTypeDomain_3D91FBFF07760F55422C2B722AE34AD2" xlink:to="loc_bhl_AgriculturalPortfolioSegmentMember_048B8C416096202B76982B722AE34DFA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember_F5ACE51385EF1FA2CF882B722AE3FED2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanTypeDomain_3D91FBFF07760F55422C2B722AE34AD2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember_F5ACE51385EF1FA2CF882B722AE3FED2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember_E5369824BBB59D2D19DF2B722AE34DBA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanTypeDomain_3D91FBFF07760F55422C2B722AE34AD2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember_E5369824BBB59D2D19DF2B722AE34DBA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentAgingAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentAgingAbstract_9CED0967396AB4CF74DA2B722AE32E8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems_3EC8EE3288DAEDBADB602B722AE35885" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentAgingAbstract_9CED0967396AB4CF74DA2B722AE32E8B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableSignificantPurchases" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableSignificantPurchases_CAD1CA4CF4C85AF1DBBC2B722AE30B47" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentAgingAbstract_9CED0967396AB4CF74DA2B722AE32E8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableSignificantPurchases_CAD1CA4CF4C85AF1DBBC2B722AE30B47" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAmountsOfTransaction" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAmountsOfTransaction_6CA24CE363C7B46E09E82B722AE3C7C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentAgingAbstract_9CED0967396AB4CF74DA2B722AE32E8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAmountsOfTransaction_6CA24CE363C7B46E09E82B722AE3C7C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesReceivableNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableNet_9CABA3C816CBADD846EC2B722AE3D391" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentAgingAbstract_9CED0967396AB4CF74DA2B722AE32E8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableNet_9CABA3C816CBADD846EC2B722AE3D391" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_PercentageOfMortgageLoansClassifiedAsPerforming" xlink:label="loc_bhl_PercentageOfMortgageLoansClassifiedAsPerforming_76C7D7AC4C58A084D3442B722AE452D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentAgingAbstract_9CED0967396AB4CF74DA2B722AE32E8B" xlink:to="loc_bhl_PercentageOfMortgageLoansClassifiedAsPerforming_76C7D7AC4C58A084D3442B722AE452D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDue_4CF29F2011E2A33226C22B722AE4D341" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentAgingAbstract_9CED0967396AB4CF74DA2B722AE32E8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDue_4CF29F2011E2A33226C22B722AE4D341" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableImpairedNonperformingNonaccrualOfInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableImpairedNonperformingNonaccrualOfInterest_AAEA463C724524160CCD2B722AE43C78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentAgingAbstract_9CED0967396AB4CF74DA2B722AE32E8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableImpairedNonperformingNonaccrualOfInterest_AAEA463C724524160CCD2B722AE43C78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_FinancingReceivableNumberofContractofRecordedInvestmentPastDue" xlink:label="loc_bhl_FinancingReceivableNumberofContractofRecordedInvestmentPastDue_7C8C877D2B8158B68A2B2B722AE4DCC2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentAgingAbstract_9CED0967396AB4CF74DA2B722AE32E8B" xlink:to="loc_bhl_FinancingReceivableNumberofContractofRecordedInvestmentPastDue_7C8C877D2B8158B68A2B2B722AE4DCC2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNumberOfContractNonperformingNonaccrualOfInterest" xlink:label="loc_bhl_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNumberOfContractNonperformingNonaccrualOfInterest_31CB88D77BA2F97E3E3D2B722AE4EF25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentAgingAbstract_9CED0967396AB4CF74DA2B722AE32E8B" xlink:to="loc_bhl_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNumberOfContractNonperformingNonaccrualOfInterest_31CB88D77BA2F97E3E3D2B722AE4EF25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsSubsequentDefaultNumberOfContracts1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsSubsequentDefaultNumberOfContracts1_4FBCA9C1F00FA0B15ADE2B722AE43B73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentAgingAbstract_9CED0967396AB4CF74DA2B722AE32E8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsSubsequentDefaultNumberOfContracts1_4FBCA9C1F00FA0B15ADE2B722AE43B73" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsNetInvestmentIncomeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems_50DB1C2007347CB550BE2B722B070241" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryTable_FF019DA81963B2FF729E2B722B065C12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems_50DB1C2007347CB550BE2B722B070241" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryTable_FF019DA81963B2FF729E2B722B065C12" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_616E3180341715DA68DA2B722B065459" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryTable_FF019DA81963B2FF729E2B722B065C12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_616E3180341715DA68DA2B722B065459" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_A75E96448DBDBC146A522B722B07A8E9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_616E3180341715DA68DA2B722B065459" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_A75E96448DBDBC146A522B722B07A8E9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_A75E96448DBDBC146A522B722B07A8E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_616E3180341715DA68DA2B722B065459" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_A75E96448DBDBC146A522B722B07A8E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesInvestmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesInvestmentMember_1139CC4512D22E5412EC2B722B078B3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_A75E96448DBDBC146A522B722B07A8E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesInvestmentMember_1139CC4512D22E5412EC2B722B078B3B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_1AF083C6977ADB1F80622B722B07D87E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesInvestmentMember_1139CC4512D22E5412EC2B722B078B3B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_1AF083C6977ADB1F80622B722B07D87E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_1B9E84B6ADB107F57D192B722B070B18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesInvestmentMember_1139CC4512D22E5412EC2B722B078B3B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_1B9E84B6ADB107F57D192B722B070B18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgagesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgagesMember_03FBF5692C0133AA4D292B722B074909" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesInvestmentMember_1139CC4512D22E5412EC2B722B078B3B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgagesMember_03FBF5692C0133AA4D292B722B074909" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyLoansMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyLoansMember_D22A7DBECBD94CE8F6E62B722B074D23" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesInvestmentMember_1139CC4512D22E5412EC2B722B078B3B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyLoansMember_D22A7DBECBD94CE8F6E62B722B074D23" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentMember_C69AC432A33B055E67532B722B07BECD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesInvestmentMember_1139CC4512D22E5412EC2B722B078B3B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentMember_C69AC432A33B055E67532B722B07BECD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember_207699C42390C75B7C562B722B0788A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesInvestmentMember_1139CC4512D22E5412EC2B722B078B3B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember_207699C42390C75B7C562B722B0788A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember_3168657987713B7CB2F52B722B07EF8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesInvestmentMember_1139CC4512D22E5412EC2B722B078B3B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember_3168657987713B7CB2F52B722B07EF8E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherInvestmentsMember_E3334150520AD56090DF2B722B07A7E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesInvestmentMember_1139CC4512D22E5412EC2B722B078B3B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherInvestmentsMember_E3334150520AD56090DF2B722B07A7E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember_186F1B1E6D0AF54685D62B722B07CCEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesInvestmentMember_1139CC4512D22E5412EC2B722B078B3B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember_186F1B1E6D0AF54685D62B722B07CCEA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1B722F9AA2F43FD7945C2B722B07E317" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryTable_FF019DA81963B2FF729E2B722B065C12" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1B722F9AA2F43FD7945C2B722B07E317" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7334D7691FF71EFD594F2B722B07654E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1B722F9AA2F43FD7945C2B722B07E317" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7334D7691FF71EFD594F2B722B07654E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7334D7691FF71EFD594F2B722B07654E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1B722F9AA2F43FD7945C2B722B07E317" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7334D7691FF71EFD594F2B722B07654E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesMember_D6EDB7F71BB7D3F450562B722B07C798" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7334D7691FF71EFD594F2B722B07654E" xlink:to="loc_bhl_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesMember_D6EDB7F71BB7D3F450562B722B07C798" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GrossInvestmentIncomeOperating" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GrossInvestmentIncomeOperating_8DCE20C8CBC92A65F44D2B722B078560" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems_50DB1C2007347CB550BE2B722B070241" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GrossInvestmentIncomeOperating_8DCE20C8CBC92A65F44D2B722B078560" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInvestmentExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInvestmentExpense_687BCBEDBD14B7E8641A2B722B08A90E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems_50DB1C2007347CB550BE2B722B070241" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInvestmentExpense_687BCBEDBD14B7E8641A2B722B08A90E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome_ABA7D50CB5B234D8BA0E2B722B08FB87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems_50DB1C2007347CB550BE2B722B070241" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome_ABA7D50CB5B234D8BA0E2B722B08FB87" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainsLossesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsPciInvestmentsAcquiredDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_F3F0C986E6046A8D41F02B722B185ACE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_9F460860E13093E020732B722B18C911" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_F3F0C986E6046A8D41F02B722B185ACE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_9F460860E13093E020732B722B18C911" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_898F3D1082C6E8EA4ADE2B722B1800F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_9F460860E13093E020732B722B18C911" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_898F3D1082C6E8EA4ADE2B722B1800F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_027BAD86FADCA85950DA2B722B18FF84_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_898F3D1082C6E8EA4ADE2B722B1800F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_027BAD86FADCA85950DA2B722B18FF84_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_027BAD86FADCA85950DA2B722B18FF84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_898F3D1082C6E8EA4ADE2B722B1800F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_027BAD86FADCA85950DA2B722B18FF84" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_F6800F28F1440F69CEB82B722B18F3FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_027BAD86FADCA85950DA2B722B18FF84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_F6800F28F1440F69CEB82B722B18F3FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsAvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsAvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAbstract_6B4ED1CAA20C97B792C62B722B181F9D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_F3F0C986E6046A8D41F02B722B185ACE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsAvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAbstract_6B4ED1CAA20C97B792C62B722B181F9D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsAvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodContractuallyRequiredPaymentsReceivableAtAcquisition" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsAvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodContractuallyRequiredPaymentsReceivableAtAcquisition_7AA83A3AB20AA6FE03A92B722B189C93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsAvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAbstract_6B4ED1CAA20C97B792C62B722B181F9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsAvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodContractuallyRequiredPaymentsReceivableAtAcquisition_7AA83A3AB20AA6FE03A92B722B189C93" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsAvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodCashFlowsExpectedToBeCollectedAtAcquisition" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsAvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodCashFlowsExpectedToBeCollectedAtAcquisition_A2D3000AB3A31419DAB42B722B18EC87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsAvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAbstract_6B4ED1CAA20C97B792C62B722B181F9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsAvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodCashFlowsExpectedToBeCollectedAtAcquisition_A2D3000AB3A31419DAB42B722B18EC87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsAvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAtAcquisitionAtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsAvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAtAcquisitionAtFairValue_8A725379DAC5C5503FD92B722B18BEAE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsAvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAbstract_6B4ED1CAA20C97B792C62B722B181F9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsAvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAtAcquisitionAtFairValue_8A725379DAC5C5503FD92B722B18BEAE" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsPciInvestmentsByInvestedAssetClassDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_DB2404B07822CEEACA132B722B1BBB37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_741EB6068A44DE02C2AC2B722B1B89A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_DB2404B07822CEEACA132B722B1BBB37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_741EB6068A44DE02C2AC2B722B1B89A4" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_32B284B1E271F59EA3AE2B722B1B2935" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_741EB6068A44DE02C2AC2B722B1B89A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_32B284B1E271F59EA3AE2B722B1B2935" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_41497572808DCD5BF1FD2B722B1B23F3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_32B284B1E271F59EA3AE2B722B1B2935" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_41497572808DCD5BF1FD2B722B1B23F3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_41497572808DCD5BF1FD2B722B1B23F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_32B284B1E271F59EA3AE2B722B1B2935" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_41497572808DCD5BF1FD2B722B1B23F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_53F8A17EA70C3F2C95B22B722B1BE81F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_41497572808DCD5BF1FD2B722B1B23F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_53F8A17EA70C3F2C95B22B722B1BE81F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsAvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsAvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAbstract_0BA61207C0ED402F6A842B722B1BD757" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_DB2404B07822CEEACA132B722B1BBB37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsAvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAbstract_0BA61207C0ED402F6A842B722B1BD757" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsAvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesOutstandingBalance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsAvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesOutstandingBalance_039A5BEE73A31670EA9C2B722B1B354D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsAvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAbstract_0BA61207C0ED402F6A842B722B1BD757" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsAvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesOutstandingBalance_039A5BEE73A31670EA9C2B722B1B354D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsAvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesCarryingAmountNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsAvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesCarryingAmountNet_F2170D2D725BC562D6202B722B1BA91F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsAvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAbstract_0BA61207C0ED402F6A842B722B1BD757" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsAvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesCarryingAmountNet_F2170D2D725BC562D6202B722B1BA91F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsRelatedPartyInvestmentTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritizationFinancialAssetForWhichTransferIsAccountedAsSaleLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritizationFinancialAssetForWhichTransferIsAccountedAsSaleLineItems_F027DB051BC4B8B477222B722AF03BFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritizationFinancialAssetForWhichTransferIsAccountedAsSaleTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritizationFinancialAssetForWhichTransferIsAccountedAsSaleTable_BF7DC04DE1782A010DB32B722AEFDAF0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritizationFinancialAssetForWhichTransferIsAccountedAsSaleLineItems_F027DB051BC4B8B477222B722AF03BFE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritizationFinancialAssetForWhichTransferIsAccountedAsSaleTable_BF7DC04DE1782A010DB32B722AEFDAF0" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_399355914E64806348582B722AEF7A3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritizationFinancialAssetForWhichTransferIsAccountedAsSaleTable_BF7DC04DE1782A010DB32B722AEFDAF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_399355914E64806348582B722AEF7A3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_E1F8D4BB7209CA7E92402B722AEF4548_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_399355914E64806348582B722AEF7A3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_E1F8D4BB7209CA7E92402B722AEF4548_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_E1F8D4BB7209CA7E92402B722AEF4548" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_399355914E64806348582B722AEF7A3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_E1F8D4BB7209CA7E92402B722AEF4548" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember_68FFAF448E89A6A28B362B722AF0431E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_E1F8D4BB7209CA7E92402B722AEF4548" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember_68FFAF448E89A6A28B362B722AF0431E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_AssetsTransferredToAffiliatesEstimatedFairValue" xlink:label="loc_bhl_AssetsTransferredToAffiliatesEstimatedFairValue_176B9683640BEA078B052B722AF01477" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritizationFinancialAssetForWhichTransferIsAccountedAsSaleLineItems_F027DB051BC4B8B477222B722AF03BFE" xlink:to="loc_bhl_AssetsTransferredToAffiliatesEstimatedFairValue_176B9683640BEA078B052B722AF01477" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_TransfersOfFinancialAssetsAccountedForAsSaleAmortizedCostOfAssetsObtainedAsProceeds" xlink:label="loc_bhl_TransfersOfFinancialAssetsAccountedForAsSaleAmortizedCostOfAssetsObtainedAsProceeds_4CD193874918E8E9FFC32B722AF088E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritizationFinancialAssetForWhichTransferIsAccountedAsSaleLineItems_F027DB051BC4B8B477222B722AF03BFE" xlink:to="loc_bhl_TransfersOfFinancialAssetsAccountedForAsSaleAmortizedCostOfAssetsObtainedAsProceeds_4CD193874918E8E9FFC32B722AF088E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritizationFinancialAssetForWhichTransferIsAccountedAsSaleGainLossOnSale" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritizationFinancialAssetForWhichTransferIsAccountedAsSaleGainLossOnSale_525806CC021CCD8FCA912B722AF07EA8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritizationFinancialAssetForWhichTransferIsAccountedAsSaleLineItems_F027DB051BC4B8B477222B722AF03BFE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritizationFinancialAssetForWhichTransferIsAccountedAsSaleGainLossOnSale_525806CC021CCD8FCA912B722AF07EA8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_ChangeAdditionalPaidInCapitalRecognizedOnTransfers" xlink:label="loc_bhl_ChangeAdditionalPaidInCapitalRecognizedOnTransfers_CAA18A17DB883D4595BD2B722AF07446" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritizationFinancialAssetForWhichTransferIsAccountedAsSaleLineItems_F027DB051BC4B8B477222B722AF03BFE" xlink:to="loc_bhl_ChangeAdditionalPaidInCapitalRecognizedOnTransfers_CAA18A17DB883D4595BD2B722AF07446" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_AssetsTransferredFromAffiliatesEstimatedFairValue" xlink:label="loc_bhl_AssetsTransferredFromAffiliatesEstimatedFairValue_E548A222980D30DE1D7C2B722AF08BC9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritizationFinancialAssetForWhichTransferIsAccountedAsSaleLineItems_F027DB051BC4B8B477222B722AF03BFE" xlink:to="loc_bhl_AssetsTransferredFromAffiliatesEstimatedFairValue_E548A222980D30DE1D7C2B722AF08BC9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsRelatedPartyInvestmentTransactionsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_9590C755E5B8DA2B67C744A067F76286" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_BEBFAE94C1F627791A5A44A067F5C864" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_9590C755E5B8DA2B67C744A067F76286" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_BEBFAE94C1F627791A5A44A067F5C864" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_D466C875812DA954AAF944A067F5681D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_BEBFAE94C1F627791A5A44A067F5C864" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_D466C875812DA954AAF944A067F5681D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_B558FE7F7B4AB610A1BC44A067F521BD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_D466C875812DA954AAF944A067F5681D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_B558FE7F7B4AB610A1BC44A067F521BD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_B558FE7F7B4AB610A1BC44A067F521BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_D466C875812DA954AAF944A067F5681D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_B558FE7F7B4AB610A1BC44A067F521BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember_270CB21E8B1B405CAC1944A067F5C7B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_B558FE7F7B4AB610A1BC44A067F521BD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember_270CB21E8B1B405CAC1944A067F5C7B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_A4B6AD95B723BF070BF244A067F5BEB5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_BEBFAE94C1F627791A5A44A067F5C864" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_A4B6AD95B723BF070BF244A067F5BEB5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_58694FF134D84EF5D46144A067F58767_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_A4B6AD95B723BF070BF244A067F5BEB5" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_58694FF134D84EF5D46144A067F58767_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_58694FF134D84EF5D46144A067F58767" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_A4B6AD95B723BF070BF244A067F5BEB5" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_58694FF134D84EF5D46144A067F58767" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_MetlifeInvestmentAdvisorsLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_MetlifeInvestmentAdvisorsLLCMember_8B178F1668B98B6305EA44A067F5C451" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_58694FF134D84EF5D46144A067F58767" xlink:to="loc_bhl_MetlifeInvestmentAdvisorsLLCMember_8B178F1668B98B6305EA44A067F5C451" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_BB2423D2DE6BDDAE9D2144A067F5EF3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_BEBFAE94C1F627791A5A44A067F5C864" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_BB2423D2DE6BDDAE9D2144A067F5EF3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_F64191712CEE3760693944A067F505C5_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_BB2423D2DE6BDDAE9D2144A067F5EF3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_F64191712CEE3760693944A067F505C5_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_F64191712CEE3760693944A067F505C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_BB2423D2DE6BDDAE9D2144A067F5EF3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_F64191712CEE3760693944A067F505C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember_B85A3AF2C1D8AB8373B044A067F59BFF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_F64191712CEE3760693944A067F505C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember_B85A3AF2C1D8AB8373B044A067F59BFF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitAxis_6BFF87C0E8CAD77172CB44A067F6781D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_BEBFAE94C1F627791A5A44A067F5C864" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitAxis_6BFF87C0E8CAD77172CB44A067F6781D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain_FDCDCE02BE4EE6CACE5344A067F695DE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitAxis_6BFF87C0E8CAD77172CB44A067F6781D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain_FDCDCE02BE4EE6CACE5344A067F695DE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain_FDCDCE02BE4EE6CACE5344A067F695DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitAxis_6BFF87C0E8CAD77172CB44A067F6781D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain_FDCDCE02BE4EE6CACE5344A067F695DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_RecaptureMLUSMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_RecaptureMLUSMember_ED14F8A633E18249343E44A067F63EB3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain_FDCDCE02BE4EE6CACE5344A067F695DE" xlink:to="loc_bhl_RecaptureMLUSMember_ED14F8A633E18249343E44A067F63EB3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_RecaptureMLICMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_RecaptureMLICMember_FB24B0867B4299C099E544A067F66750" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain_FDCDCE02BE4EE6CACE5344A067F695DE" xlink:to="loc_bhl_RecaptureMLICMember_FB24B0867B4299C099E544A067F66750" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_31093E87494749FBA4F044A067F651EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_BEBFAE94C1F627791A5A44A067F5C864" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_31093E87494749FBA4F044A067F651EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_FD0A1C52203ED596FBAB44A067F6F6E7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_31093E87494749FBA4F044A067F651EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_FD0A1C52203ED596FBAB44A067F6F6E7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_FD0A1C52203ED596FBAB44A067F6F6E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_31093E87494749FBA4F044A067F651EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_FD0A1C52203ED596FBAB44A067F6F6E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_RelatedPartyLoanOneMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_RelatedPartyLoanOneMember_86731C4FBE69D8A1EDBB44A067F66B3A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_FD0A1C52203ED596FBAB44A067F6F6E7" xlink:to="loc_bhl_RelatedPartyLoanOneMember_86731C4FBE69D8A1EDBB44A067F66B3A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_RelatedPartyLoanTwoMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_RelatedPartyLoanTwoMember_478DE941DB94FDB5258844A067F6E402" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_FD0A1C52203ED596FBAB44A067F6F6E7" xlink:to="loc_bhl_RelatedPartyLoanTwoMember_478DE941DB94FDB5258844A067F6E402" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_5C4BE9A9C7D5982A0BE644A067F6C1DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_BEBFAE94C1F627791A5A44A067F5C864" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_5C4BE9A9C7D5982A0BE644A067F6C1DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_3ED1E22ED9C2A870916744A067F65DE3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_5C4BE9A9C7D5982A0BE644A067F6C1DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_3ED1E22ED9C2A870916744A067F65DE3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_3ED1E22ED9C2A870916744A067F65DE3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_5C4BE9A9C7D5982A0BE644A067F6C1DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_3ED1E22ED9C2A870916744A067F65DE3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember_B850B684D43E5E68945844A067F6585D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_3ED1E22ED9C2A870916744A067F65DE3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember_B850B684D43E5E68945844A067F6585D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_FE308E5A1FEA4127C31044A067F6765F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_BEBFAE94C1F627791A5A44A067F5C864" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_FE308E5A1FEA4127C31044A067F6765F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_05E42EE162F48A1138F844A067F7FB5A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_FE308E5A1FEA4127C31044A067F6765F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_05E42EE162F48A1138F844A067F7FB5A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_05E42EE162F48A1138F844A067F7FB5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_FE308E5A1FEA4127C31044A067F6765F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_05E42EE162F48A1138F844A067F7FB5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherInvestmentsMember_91F41C819933C969096B44A067F7A713" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_05E42EE162F48A1138F844A067F7FB5A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherInvestmentsMember_91F41C819933C969096B44A067F7A713" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsAndShortTermInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsAndShortTermInvestments_B76A6ED725270312599844A067F773D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_9590C755E5B8DA2B67C744A067F76286" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsAndShortTermInvestments_B76A6ED725270312599844A067F773D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_17EB05721AD58287E73944A067F7704D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_9590C755E5B8DA2B67C744A067F76286" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_17EB05721AD58287E73944A067F7704D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_723EE40E2A44E066958744A067F7122F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_9590C755E5B8DA2B67C744A067F76286" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_723EE40E2A44E066958744A067F7122F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate_5040554F528B03BB56D944A067F722C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_9590C755E5B8DA2B67C744A067F76286" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate_5040554F528B03BB56D944A067F722C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInNotesReceivableRelatedParties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInNotesReceivableRelatedParties_9F7307F9E05DFA3393F044A067F7E42F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_9590C755E5B8DA2B67C744A067F76286" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInNotesReceivableRelatedParties_9F7307F9E05DFA3393F044A067F7E42F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_9F7BAF3FE714518DFD5044A067F7B1FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_9590C755E5B8DA2B67C744A067F76286" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_9F7BAF3FE714518DFD5044A067F7B1FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfEquityMethodInvestments_28DA8194DB346B27F89744A067F70941" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_9590C755E5B8DA2B67C744A067F76286" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfEquityMethodInvestments_28DA8194DB346B27F89744A067F70941" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalCapitalContribution" xlink:label="loc_bhl_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalCapitalContribution_AAF3607D2935849727A744A067F76CC2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_9590C755E5B8DA2B67C744A067F76286" xlink:to="loc_bhl_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalCapitalContribution_AAF3607D2935849727A744A067F76CC2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionOtherRevenuesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionOtherRevenuesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_D32C76616F1601E42F2A44A067F794C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_9590C755E5B8DA2B67C744A067F76286" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionOtherRevenuesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_D32C76616F1601E42F2A44A067F794C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_8D06F9C76CAAA9CA1EE944A067F7A44D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_9590C755E5B8DA2B67C744A067F76286" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_8D06F9C76CAAA9CA1EE944A067F7A44D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsSalesOrDisposalsAndImpairmentsOfFixedMaturityAndEquitySecuritiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_6DE2C1D72640DCAD6C362B722AF6E7F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_82E43DF235424CE47B832B722AF60C98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_6DE2C1D72640DCAD6C362B722AF6E7F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_82E43DF235424CE47B832B722AF60C98" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_01108E4F6EF8222E13572B722AF6E098" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_82E43DF235424CE47B832B722AF60C98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_01108E4F6EF8222E13572B722AF6E098" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_48B38DB8BE0820D05C1A2B722AF6A854_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_01108E4F6EF8222E13572B722AF6E098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_48B38DB8BE0820D05C1A2B722AF6A854_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_48B38DB8BE0820D05C1A2B722AF6A854" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_01108E4F6EF8222E13572B722AF6E098" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_48B38DB8BE0820D05C1A2B722AF6A854" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_31E010EDD396E11291C12B722AF6897D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_48B38DB8BE0820D05C1A2B722AF6A854" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_31E010EDD396E11291C12B722AF6897D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_93FEBAD259CA871E94502B722AF6439D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_48B38DB8BE0820D05C1A2B722AF6A854" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_93FEBAD259CA871E94502B722AF6439D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossNetAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossNetAbstract_B2DD2F5B5D360C1A67EB2B722AF670B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_6DE2C1D72640DCAD6C362B722AF6E7F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossNetAbstract_B2DD2F5B5D360C1A67EB2B722AF670B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfInsuranceInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfInsuranceInvestments_370F031738191692B8492B722AF68636" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossNetAbstract_B2DD2F5B5D360C1A67EB2B722AF670B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfInsuranceInvestments_370F031738191692B8492B722AF68636" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGains" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGains_6E1DE6E7F1A87B59B5A32B722AF650C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossNetAbstract_B2DD2F5B5D360C1A67EB2B722AF670B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGains_6E1DE6E7F1A87B59B5A32B722AF650C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedLossesExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedLossesExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairments_77B6191C9ED39EA67C722B722AF619D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossNetAbstract_B2DD2F5B5D360C1A67EB2B722AF670B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedLossesExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairments_77B6191C9ED39EA67C722B722AF619D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsAbstract_421F309166862FC9B6652B722AF67BA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossNetAbstract_B2DD2F5B5D360C1A67EB2B722AF670B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsAbstract_421F309166862FC9B6652B722AF67BA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionRecognizedInEarningsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionRecognizedInEarningsNet_E2DBB7EDAF20493B86022B722AF6302B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsAbstract_421F309166862FC9B6652B722AF67BA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionRecognizedInEarningsNet_E2DBB7EDAF20493B86022B722AF6302B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses_756F5905EA6447BD717A2B722AF6FE53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsAbstract_421F309166862FC9B6652B722AF67BA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses_756F5905EA6447BD717A2B722AF6FE53" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsSecuritiesLendingDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionLineItems_A12F5822105D9DC54BFB2B722B25D1A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTable_714B88597EFEEEBF30D22B722B25E5C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionLineItems_A12F5822105D9DC54BFB2B722B25D1A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTable_714B88597EFEEEBF30D22B722B25E5C8" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis_38554E49384CE53F5D9D2B722B25DFFF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTable_714B88597EFEEEBF30D22B722B25E5C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis_38554E49384CE53F5D9D2B722B25DFFF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain_A76C72F163A759A01A492B722B253FDE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis_38554E49384CE53F5D9D2B722B25DFFF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain_A76C72F163A759A01A492B722B253FDE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain_A76C72F163A759A01A492B722B253FDE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis_38554E49384CE53F5D9D2B722B25DFFF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain_A76C72F163A759A01A492B722B253FDE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionCostMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionCostMember_D62B12EE9FC70F304C262B722B25CD90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain_A76C72F163A759A01A492B722B253FDE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionCostMember_D62B12EE9FC70F304C262B722B25CD90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionFairValueMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionFairValueMember_15BAA83F2873171E9B262B722B25CCAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain_A76C72F163A759A01A492B722B253FDE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionFairValueMember_15BAA83F2873171E9B262B722B25CCAD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesLoaned" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesLoaned_128F87FF70CF574DE0AD2B722B2538AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionLineItems_A12F5822105D9DC54BFB2B722B25D1A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesLoaned_128F87FF70CF574DE0AD2B722B2538AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAccountedForAsSecuredBorrowingsAssociatedLiabilitiesCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAccountedForAsSecuredBorrowingsAssociatedLiabilitiesCarryingAmount_62D71BCEE6E446D41D802B722B25ADC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionLineItems_A12F5822105D9DC54BFB2B722B25D1A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAccountedForAsSecuredBorrowingsAssociatedLiabilitiesCarryingAmount_62D71BCEE6E446D41D802B722B25ADC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesReceivedAsCollateral" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesReceivedAsCollateral_5A1AC25D8AA37C1EE2AB2B722B25CD14" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionLineItems_A12F5822105D9DC54BFB2B722B25D1A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesReceivedAsCollateral_5A1AC25D8AA37C1EE2AB2B722B25CD14" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_SecuritiesLendingReinvestmentPortfolioEstimatedFairValue" xlink:label="loc_bhl_SecuritiesLendingReinvestmentPortfolioEstimatedFairValue_A7F48E3F95BB79BFBEA32B722B25A4B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionLineItems_A12F5822105D9DC54BFB2B722B25D1A9" xlink:to="loc_bhl_SecuritiesLendingReinvestmentPortfolioEstimatedFairValue_A7F48E3F95BB79BFBEA32B722B25A4B4" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsSecuritiesLendingRemainingTenorDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionLineItems_5B9176FE06D0F767BA462B722B221268" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTable_BAC8F1DDD4F14C03F5262B722B217F16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionLineItems_5B9176FE06D0F767BA462B722B221268" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTable_BAC8F1DDD4F14C03F5262B722B217F16" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_9602181C246B507BAC732B722B21095A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTable_BAC8F1DDD4F14C03F5262B722B217F16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_9602181C246B507BAC732B722B21095A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_C6535CB8CA272EDAFDD02B722B2154C8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_9602181C246B507BAC732B722B21095A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_C6535CB8CA272EDAFDD02B722B2154C8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_C6535CB8CA272EDAFDD02B722B2154C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_9602181C246B507BAC732B722B21095A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_C6535CB8CA272EDAFDD02B722B2154C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember_E45BA988DA76E146333C2B722B22A55A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_C6535CB8CA272EDAFDD02B722B2154C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember_E45BA988DA76E146333C2B722B22A55A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_A1DD829D72DAE3FD63F82B722B22E826" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_C6535CB8CA272EDAFDD02B722B2154C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DomesticCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_A1DD829D72DAE3FD63F82B722B22E826" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_95715A7850BF3EF6F85A2B722B22F961" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_C6535CB8CA272EDAFDD02B722B2154C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_95715A7850BF3EF6F85A2B722B22F961" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_AE6F6AA855487C5100042B722B220DDC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_C6535CB8CA272EDAFDD02B722B2154C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_AE6F6AA855487C5100042B722B220DDC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_DD5E91DCC3C652523A492B722B227FA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_C6535CB8CA272EDAFDD02B722B2154C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_DD5E91DCC3C652523A492B722B227FA5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis_2F1DD156CB2159F5F5952B722B228765" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTable_BAC8F1DDD4F14C03F5262B722B217F16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis_2F1DD156CB2159F5F5952B722B228765" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain_BCC7DF1BFFEFA4F2BD7D2B722B22D432_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis_2F1DD156CB2159F5F5952B722B228765" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain_BCC7DF1BFFEFA4F2BD7D2B722B22D432_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain_BCC7DF1BFFEFA4F2BD7D2B722B22D432" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis_2F1DD156CB2159F5F5952B722B228765" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain_BCC7DF1BFFEFA4F2BD7D2B722B22D432" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaturityOvernightMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaturityOvernightMember_B0796A08799EA826D5EA2B722B227FEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain_BCC7DF1BFFEFA4F2BD7D2B722B22D432" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaturityOvernightMember_B0796A08799EA826D5EA2B722B227FEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaturityUpTo30DaysMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaturityUpTo30DaysMember_AC6C8D6081745F6201E02B722B22D665" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain_BCC7DF1BFFEFA4F2BD7D2B722B22D432" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaturityUpTo30DaysMember_AC6C8D6081745F6201E02B722B22D665" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_Maturity30to180DaysMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_Maturity30to180DaysMember_45E2572E132EF949CC072B722B22471D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain_BCC7DF1BFFEFA4F2BD7D2B722B22D432" xlink:to="loc_bhl_Maturity30to180DaysMember_45E2572E132EF949CC072B722B22471D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAccountedForAsSecuredBorrowingsAssociatedLiabilitiesCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAccountedForAsSecuredBorrowingsAssociatedLiabilitiesCarryingAmount_C01E532BD61DF9F9C5352B722B221A16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionLineItems_5B9176FE06D0F767BA462B722B221268" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAccountedForAsSecuredBorrowingsAssociatedLiabilitiesCarryingAmount_C01E532BD61DF9F9C5352B722B221A16" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsSecuritiesLendingRemainingTenorNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionLineItems_7DC78B50BD73813B40FF2B722AD5AC0F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTable_F31283417F6501088C8D2B722AD4242B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionLineItems_7DC78B50BD73813B40FF2B722AD5AC0F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTable_F31283417F6501088C8D2B722AD4242B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis_BD9DD1727939EBFE6F962B722AD49F5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTable_F31283417F6501088C8D2B722AD4242B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis_BD9DD1727939EBFE6F962B722AD49F5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain_9A466A225745227A35E12B722AD5D74A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis_BD9DD1727939EBFE6F962B722AD49F5A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain_9A466A225745227A35E12B722AD5D74A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain_9A466A225745227A35E12B722AD5D74A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis_BD9DD1727939EBFE6F962B722AD49F5A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain_9A466A225745227A35E12B722AD5D74A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionFairValueMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionFairValueMember_13337C8DC3FBAA1D7D652B722AD5A826" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTypeDomain_9A466A225745227A35E12B722AD5D74A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionFairValueMember_13337C8DC3FBAA1D7D652B722AD5A826" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_1B35E8AC2E071FDC35FA2B722AD556C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTable_F31283417F6501088C8D2B722AD4242B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_1B35E8AC2E071FDC35FA2B722AD556C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_C4B6EC8AFD84670C84772B722AD56217_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_1B35E8AC2E071FDC35FA2B722AD556C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_C4B6EC8AFD84670C84772B722AD56217_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_C4B6EC8AFD84670C84772B722AD56217" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_1B35E8AC2E071FDC35FA2B722AD556C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_C4B6EC8AFD84670C84772B722AD56217" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesInvestmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesInvestmentMember_5339651482796FD626FC2B722AD5D6EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_C4B6EC8AFD84670C84772B722AD56217" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesInvestmentMember_5339651482796FD626FC2B722AD5D6EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_8B66AE4B5C3918A4387F2B722AD5D754" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionTable_F31283417F6501088C8D2B722AD4242B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_8B66AE4B5C3918A4387F2B722AD5D754" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_846CA4EAFD1A724BC8B62B722AD5E0E6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_8B66AE4B5C3918A4387F2B722AD5D754" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_846CA4EAFD1A724BC8B62B722AD5E0E6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_846CA4EAFD1A724BC8B62B722AD5E0E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_8B66AE4B5C3918A4387F2B722AD5D754" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_846CA4EAFD1A724BC8B62B722AD5E0E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember_BD6E2F27A484559E5F0F2B722AD53165" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_846CA4EAFD1A724BC8B62B722AD5E0E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember_BD6E2F27A484559E5F0F2B722AD53165" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesLoanedNotSubjectToMasterNettingArrangement" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesLoanedNotSubjectToMasterNettingArrangement_5F95E8FEBB37897F64D42B722AD5297C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionLineItems_7DC78B50BD73813B40FF2B722AD5AC0F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesLoanedNotSubjectToMasterNettingArrangement_5F95E8FEBB37897F64D42B722AD5297C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_PercentageOfUSTreasuryAndAgencySecuritiesAtEstimatedFairValueOfSecuritiesOnLoanRelatingToCashCollateralOnOpen" xlink:label="loc_bhl_PercentageOfUSTreasuryAndAgencySecuritiesAtEstimatedFairValueOfSecuritiesOnLoanRelatingToCashCollateralOnOpen_089CE6A4FBBED235DCA12B722AD5F87C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionLineItems_7DC78B50BD73813B40FF2B722AD5AC0F" xlink:to="loc_bhl_PercentageOfUSTreasuryAndAgencySecuritiesAtEstimatedFairValueOfSecuritiesOnLoanRelatingToCashCollateralOnOpen_089CE6A4FBBED235DCA12B722AD5F87C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_PercentageofReinvestmentPortfolioinFixedMaturitySecurities" xlink:label="loc_bhl_PercentageofReinvestmentPortfolioinFixedMaturitySecurities_35295E7D5485CB7BA5132B722AD5A10D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionLineItems_7DC78B50BD73813B40FF2B722AD5AC0F" xlink:to="loc_bhl_PercentageofReinvestmentPortfolioinFixedMaturitySecurities_35295E7D5485CB7BA5132B722AD5A10D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems_5F87FEFF5154DBDF70EF48A2F1944D99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateScheduleTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateScheduleTable_0BF434BBB894A3F489DC48A2F194B47F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems_5F87FEFF5154DBDF70EF48A2F1944D99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateScheduleTable_0BF434BBB894A3F489DC48A2F194B47F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanTypeAxis_6F9B95ED3BCDCF53962F48A2F1942993" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateScheduleTable_0BF434BBB894A3F489DC48A2F194B47F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanTypeAxis_6F9B95ED3BCDCF53962F48A2F1942993" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanTypeDomain_E8C3B2DDF366667A674948A2F194DE60_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanTypeAxis_6F9B95ED3BCDCF53962F48A2F1942993" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanTypeDomain_E8C3B2DDF366667A674948A2F194DE60_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanTypeDomain_E8C3B2DDF366667A674948A2F194DE60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanTypeAxis_6F9B95ED3BCDCF53962F48A2F1942993" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanTypeDomain_E8C3B2DDF366667A674948A2F194DE60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember_DC6135EE02D4676AA5D948A2F1946E2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanTypeDomain_E8C3B2DDF366667A674948A2F194DE60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember_DC6135EE02D4676AA5D948A2F1946E2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_AgriculturalPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_AgriculturalPortfolioSegmentMember_D81D3EB7684E677C529948A2F194E90D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanTypeDomain_E8C3B2DDF366667A674948A2F194DE60" xlink:to="loc_bhl_AgriculturalPortfolioSegmentMember_D81D3EB7684E677C529948A2F194E90D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember_B8F202144EE6B6D9F59B48A2F194A36D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanTypeDomain_E8C3B2DDF366667A674948A2F194DE60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember_B8F202144EE6B6D9F59B48A2F194A36D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCreditQualityIndicatorsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCreditQualityIndicatorsTableTextBlock_05D5D0D3ED58243054C148A2F1949D10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems_5F87FEFF5154DBDF70EF48A2F1944D99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCreditQualityIndicatorsTableTextBlock_05D5D0D3ED58243054C148A2F1949D10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_388D40951836CFE2905448A2F194006F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_2CA3CE8A6D57338B4DB948A2F194534B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_388D40951836CFE2905448A2F194006F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_2CA3CE8A6D57338B4DB948A2F194534B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_67DCA27B109D78E3794448A2F194A5A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_2CA3CE8A6D57338B4DB948A2F194534B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_67DCA27B109D78E3794448A2F194A5A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_55F66D6357A2F4ED18F548A2F1941D5D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_67DCA27B109D78E3794448A2F194A5A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_55F66D6357A2F4ED18F548A2F1941D5D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_55F66D6357A2F4ED18F548A2F1941D5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_67DCA27B109D78E3794448A2F194A5A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_55F66D6357A2F4ED18F548A2F1941D5D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_9F14D546C9AEA2A0C93648A2F194845C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_55F66D6357A2F4ED18F548A2F1941D5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_9F14D546C9AEA2A0C93648A2F194845C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_DB48CB6CFAB976007BEA48A2F194CA73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_55F66D6357A2F4ED18F548A2F1941D5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_DB48CB6CFAB976007BEA48A2F194CA73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTextBlock_65D75603905A189B6C0548A2F1944ECC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_388D40951836CFE2905448A2F194006F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTextBlock_65D75603905A189B6C0548A2F1944ECC" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsUnconsolidatedVariableInterestEntitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_6812C3AAF185992EC03A2B722B0CB447" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_E8158FBA989949A8C8682B722B0B66EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_6812C3AAF185992EC03A2B722B0CB447" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_E8158FBA989949A8C8682B722B0B66EF" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_85F2BEDF24774159C6162B722B0B8521" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_E8158FBA989949A8C8682B722B0B66EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_85F2BEDF24774159C6162B722B0B8521" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_42E7F8B78D44F6A7878A2B722B0BD2C4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_85F2BEDF24774159C6162B722B0B8521" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_42E7F8B78D44F6A7878A2B722B0BD2C4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_42E7F8B78D44F6A7878A2B722B0BD2C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_85F2BEDF24774159C6162B722B0B8521" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_42E7F8B78D44F6A7878A2B722B0BD2C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_StructuredSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_StructuredSecuritiesMember_9568FF01100A0BE311BF2B722B0B6C4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_42E7F8B78D44F6A7878A2B722B0BD2C4" xlink:to="loc_bhl_StructuredSecuritiesMember_9568FF01100A0BE311BF2B722B0B6C4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_5257CED6BBB10364428B2B722B0C5FAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_42E7F8B78D44F6A7878A2B722B0BD2C4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_5257CED6BBB10364428B2B722B0C5FAD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_67BE0DDEF6B30F6244212B722B0CA0EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_E8158FBA989949A8C8682B722B0B66EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_67BE0DDEF6B30F6244212B722B0CA0EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_B2075E2C8525FE8EBE412B722B0CC6A7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_67BE0DDEF6B30F6244212B722B0CA0EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_B2075E2C8525FE8EBE412B722B0CC6A7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_B2075E2C8525FE8EBE412B722B0CC6A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_67BE0DDEF6B30F6244212B722B0CA0EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_B2075E2C8525FE8EBE412B722B0CC6A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember_67C04828D90F55CABD362B722B0C9290" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_B2075E2C8525FE8EBE412B722B0CC6A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PartnershipInterestMember_67C04828D90F55CABD362B722B0C9290" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_RealEstateJointVenturesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_RealEstateJointVenturesMember_B6348B1D9875A5851F022B722B0C2380" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_B2075E2C8525FE8EBE412B722B0CC6A7" xlink:to="loc_bhl_RealEstateJointVenturesMember_B6348B1D9875A5851F022B722B0C2380" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherInvestmentsMember_2F4E2AA76A89149295252B722B0C610A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_B2075E2C8525FE8EBE412B722B0CC6A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherInvestmentsMember_2F4E2AA76A89149295252B722B0C610A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNonconsolidatedCarryingAmountAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNonconsolidatedCarryingAmountAssets_3ED845C4F11ED03666F62B722B0CD7B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_6812C3AAF185992EC03A2B722B0CB447" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNonconsolidatedCarryingAmountAssets_3ED845C4F11ED03666F62B722B0CD7B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNonconsolidatedCarryingAmountLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNonconsolidatedCarryingAmountLiabilities_0980E79BC8BDFF1863B72B722B0C26A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_6812C3AAF185992EC03A2B722B0CB447" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNonconsolidatedCarryingAmountLiabilities_0980E79BC8BDFF1863B72B722B0C26A3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/InvestmentsUnconsolidatedVariableInterestEntitiesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/LongTermDebt" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/LongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_07F99A1D7F6D2F959EAA3F61F18E9528" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_A332DE995E708F1F9EB23F61F18EA095" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_07F99A1D7F6D2F959EAA3F61F18E9528" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_A332DE995E708F1F9EB23F61F18EA095" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_3D840E7CA707260EDF303F61F18EE387" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_A332DE995E708F1F9EB23F61F18EA095" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_3D840E7CA707260EDF303F61F18EE387" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_9B88524DB65F51976DAE3F61F18E2389_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_3D840E7CA707260EDF303F61F18EE387" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_9B88524DB65F51976DAE3F61F18E2389_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_9B88524DB65F51976DAE3F61F18E2389" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_3D840E7CA707260EDF303F61F18EE387" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_9B88524DB65F51976DAE3F61F18E2389" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_MLUSASurplusNotesdue2038Member" xlink:label="loc_bhl_MLUSASurplusNotesdue2038Member_27A1F2D9A9510A755DF83F61F18E22F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_9B88524DB65F51976DAE3F61F18E2389" xlink:to="loc_bhl_MLUSASurplusNotesdue2038Member_27A1F2D9A9510A755DF83F61F18E22F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_MRDSurplusNotesdue2032Member" xlink:label="loc_bhl_MRDSurplusNotesdue2032Member_E667598161CD8E8B45673F61F18E7F43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_9B88524DB65F51976DAE3F61F18E2389" xlink:to="loc_bhl_MRDSurplusNotesdue2032Member_E667598161CD8E8B45673F61F18E7F43" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_MRDSurplusNotesdue2033Member" xlink:label="loc_bhl_MRDSurplusNotesdue2033Member_8630FACEE71981BE98D53F61F18E365D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_9B88524DB65F51976DAE3F61F18E2389" xlink:to="loc_bhl_MRDSurplusNotesdue2033Member_8630FACEE71981BE98D53F61F18E365D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_NonRecourseDebtDue2030Member" xlink:label="loc_bhl_NonRecourseDebtDue2030Member_E2CCEAEFEDBB73241AA43F61F18E7136" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_9B88524DB65F51976DAE3F61F18E2389" xlink:to="loc_bhl_NonRecourseDebtDue2030Member_E2CCEAEFEDBB73241AA43F61F18E7136" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_LongTermDebtExcludingVariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_LongTermDebtExcludingVariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_BCDF13D5ADB5543242283F61F18E83F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_9B88524DB65F51976DAE3F61F18E2389" xlink:to="loc_bhl_LongTermDebtExcludingVariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_BCDF13D5ADB5543242283F61F18E83F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_1FE2B5FCD1793590315C3F61F18E51E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_A332DE995E708F1F9EB23F61F18EA095" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_1FE2B5FCD1793590315C3F61F18E51E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_59CED2608E2C095DF9693F61F18E3A7C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_1FE2B5FCD1793590315C3F61F18E51E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_59CED2608E2C095DF9693F61F18E3A7C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_59CED2608E2C095DF9693F61F18E3A7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_1FE2B5FCD1793590315C3F61F18E51E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_59CED2608E2C095DF9693F61F18E3A7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_F62434170638A8B238473F61F18E55C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_59CED2608E2C095DF9693F61F18E3A7C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_F62434170638A8B238473F61F18E55C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_FF6A8FA47B131FD50E713F61F18FFAB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_07F99A1D7F6D2F959EAA3F61F18E9528" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_FF6A8FA47B131FD50E713F61F18FFAB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_62DE0EE9CE4B117829313F61F18F5BC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_07F99A1D7F6D2F959EAA3F61F18E9528" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_62DE0EE9CE4B117829313F61F18F5BC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_94CBDCCB9B79088130D33F61F18FA344" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_07F99A1D7F6D2F959EAA3F61F18E9528" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_94CBDCCB9B79088130D33F61F18FA344" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/LongTermDebtNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1B4469E4D8CF2BFD26FA3F7830154117" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_5A43568313761670FFDE3F783015E35F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1B4469E4D8CF2BFD26FA3F7830154117" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_5A43568313761670FFDE3F783015E35F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_713D27D260856A67F47F3F7830153E4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_5A43568313761670FFDE3F783015E35F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_713D27D260856A67F47F3F7830153E4B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_C2558E599FD505AB74703F78301536AD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_713D27D260856A67F47F3F7830153E4B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_C2558E599FD505AB74703F78301536AD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_C2558E599FD505AB74703F78301536AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_713D27D260856A67F47F3F7830153E4B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_C2558E599FD505AB74703F78301536AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_LongTermDebtExcludingVariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_LongTermDebtExcludingVariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_E114BBEFE576D04C97873F7830156779" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_C2558E599FD505AB74703F78301536AD" xlink:to="loc_bhl_LongTermDebtExcludingVariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_E114BBEFE576D04C97873F7830156779" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_MLUSASurplusNotesdue2038Member" xlink:label="loc_bhl_MLUSASurplusNotesdue2038Member_2F42F9F77EE8669C8ECD3F7830155019" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_C2558E599FD505AB74703F78301536AD" xlink:to="loc_bhl_MLUSASurplusNotesdue2038Member_2F42F9F77EE8669C8ECD3F7830155019" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_MRDSurplusNotesDue2032And2033Member" xlink:label="loc_bhl_MRDSurplusNotesDue2032And2033Member_4D060063C2921945DAA33F783015B6E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_C2558E599FD505AB74703F78301536AD" xlink:to="loc_bhl_MRDSurplusNotesDue2032And2033Member_4D060063C2921945DAA33F783015B6E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_MRDSurplusNotesdue2032Member" xlink:label="loc_bhl_MRDSurplusNotesdue2032Member_5E55E314468AF8C7C7933F7830155470" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_C2558E599FD505AB74703F78301536AD" xlink:to="loc_bhl_MRDSurplusNotesdue2032Member_5E55E314468AF8C7C7933F7830155470" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_MRDSurplusNotesdue2033Member" xlink:label="loc_bhl_MRDSurplusNotesdue2033Member_21A942C5A6DCCAACEE313F78301565E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_C2558E599FD505AB74703F78301536AD" xlink:to="loc_bhl_MRDSurplusNotesdue2033Member_21A942C5A6DCCAACEE313F78301565E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_EDBAE2AEAAAEF58EC0CC3F783015953A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_5A43568313761670FFDE3F783015E35F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_EDBAE2AEAAAEF58EC0CC3F783015953A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_C57EBDAE12C13AAFD2393F783015FAD1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_EDBAE2AEAAAEF58EC0CC3F783015953A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_C57EBDAE12C13AAFD2393F783015FAD1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_C57EBDAE12C13AAFD2393F783015FAD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_EDBAE2AEAAAEF58EC0CC3F783015953A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_C57EBDAE12C13AAFD2393F783015FAD1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_MRSCcommittedcreditfacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_MRSCcommittedcreditfacilityMember_AEB59939619E5418A6D73F783015FD85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_C57EBDAE12C13AAFD2393F783015FAD1" xlink:to="loc_bhl_MRSCcommittedcreditfacilityMember_AEB59939619E5418A6D73F783015FD85" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_MRVcommittedcreditfacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_MRVcommittedcreditfacilityMember_8D5800FF1D7BAE43180E3F7830156F66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_C57EBDAE12C13AAFD2393F783015FAD1" xlink:to="loc_bhl_MRVcommittedcreditfacilityMember_8D5800FF1D7BAE43180E3F7830156F66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_BRCDCommittedCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_BRCDCommittedCreditFacilityMember_984998B70CFA8B5F8D963F78301587C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_C57EBDAE12C13AAFD2393F783015FAD1" xlink:to="loc_bhl_BRCDCommittedCreditFacilityMember_984998B70CFA8B5F8D963F78301587C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths_6BAD754D6C97472033DB3F783015E0BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1B4469E4D8CF2BFD26FA3F7830154117" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths_6BAD754D6C97472033DB3F783015E0BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_88D0739A815449B027F93F783015CB4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1B4469E4D8CF2BFD26FA3F7830154117" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_88D0739A815449B027F93F783015CB4E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_08F70D9B5EA13C7C600F3F7830157D3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1B4469E4D8CF2BFD26FA3F7830154117" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_08F70D9B5EA13C7C600F3F7830157D3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour_DFD00F34059F1EEDC98D3F7830154807" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1B4469E4D8CF2BFD26FA3F7830154117" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour_DFD00F34059F1EEDC98D3F7830154807" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive_8D5C17E84581A3BB34673F783015418C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1B4469E4D8CF2BFD26FA3F7830154117" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive_8D5C17E84581A3BB34673F783015418C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive_AC601866CB9044B08F9C3F7830156B22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1B4469E4D8CF2BFD26FA3F7830154117" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive_AC601866CB9044B08F9C3F7830156B22" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense_32D82011259B8429C4EA3F783015EB7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1B4469E4D8CF2BFD26FA3F7830154117" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense_32D82011259B8429C4EA3F783015EB7A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDecreaseForgiveness" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDecreaseForgiveness_8CC867343F0155D3AA4A3F783015A36A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1B4469E4D8CF2BFD26FA3F7830154117" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDecreaseForgiveness_8CC867343F0155D3AA4A3F783015A36A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_1B8162659DD872DD32773F783015925B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1B4469E4D8CF2BFD26FA3F7830154117" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_1B8162659DD872DD32773F783015925B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentIncreaseDecreaseOtherNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentIncreaseDecreaseOtherNet_03744CEC6FC524EFFE993F783015E6CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1B4469E4D8CF2BFD26FA3F7830154117" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentIncreaseDecreaseOtherNet_03744CEC6FC524EFFE993F783015E6CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInNotesReceivableRelatedParties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInNotesReceivableRelatedParties_6003005C18893719C1203F78301503E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1B4469E4D8CF2BFD26FA3F7830154117" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInNotesReceivableRelatedParties_6003005C18893719C1203F78301503E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_C77C800BB12BDDEB64C53F783015615E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1B4469E4D8CF2BFD26FA3F7830154117" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_C77C800BB12BDDEB64C53F783015615E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeeAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeeAmount_32698C9188E227E258573F78301524E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1B4469E4D8CF2BFD26FA3F7830154117" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeeAmount_32698C9188E227E258573F78301524E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_52AF41455C77D72E333F3F783015DD98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1B4469E4D8CF2BFD26FA3F7830154117" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_52AF41455C77D72E333F3F783015DD98" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_F8C2C9B0C78F5428304F3F783015999D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1B4469E4D8CF2BFD26FA3F7830154117" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_F8C2C9B0C78F5428304F3F783015999D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_E84BFF79E77593087ED83F7830151BEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1B4469E4D8CF2BFD26FA3F7830154117" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_E84BFF79E77593087ED83F7830151BEF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/LongTermDebtTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/OrganizationalChanges" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/OrganizationalChangesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_A3670D83D60F22C8CD903F14A44B55D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_351032E0219CBBEF1FAE3F14A4467445" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_A3670D83D60F22C8CD903F14A44B55D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_351032E0219CBBEF1FAE3F14A4467445" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_8BC7B059004E6573DC923F14A4461613" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_351032E0219CBBEF1FAE3F14A4467445" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_8BC7B059004E6573DC923F14A4461613" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_C34AB85DB99A8DC6657C3F14A446DE37_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_8BC7B059004E6573DC923F14A4461613" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_C34AB85DB99A8DC6657C3F14A446DE37_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_C34AB85DB99A8DC6657C3F14A446DE37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_8BC7B059004E6573DC923F14A4461613" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_C34AB85DB99A8DC6657C3F14A446DE37" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SpinoffMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SpinoffMember_1ED13C6C07163D7125773F14A44629FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_C34AB85DB99A8DC6657C3F14A446DE37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SpinoffMember_1ED13C6C07163D7125773F14A44629FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_AmountofotherincreasedecreaseinadditionalpaidincapitalAPICduetoareturnofcapital" xlink:label="loc_bhl_AmountofotherincreasedecreaseinadditionalpaidincapitalAPICduetoareturnofcapital_E2CB25E41FC918CAA1193F14A44B6898" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_A3670D83D60F22C8CD903F14A44B55D4" xlink:to="loc_bhl_AmountofotherincreasedecreaseinadditionalpaidincapitalAPICduetoareturnofcapital_E2CB25E41FC918CAA1193F14A44B6898" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalCapitalContribution" xlink:label="loc_bhl_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalCapitalContribution_E26AC1155AEDAE5D14E03F14A44BDFA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_A3670D83D60F22C8CD903F14A44B55D4" xlink:to="loc_bhl_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalCapitalContribution_E26AC1155AEDAE5D14E03F14A44BDFA6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_403F9E5E26D409B8CCB13F14A44B346D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_A3670D83D60F22C8CD903F14A44B55D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_403F9E5E26D409B8CCB13F14A44B346D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_D12DAF2384441D11441A3F14A44B9578" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_A3670D83D60F22C8CD903F14A44B55D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_D12DAF2384441D11441A3F14A44B9578" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_43921539C07258FD2E8F3F14A44C8A03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_A3670D83D60F22C8CD903F14A44B55D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_43921539C07258FD2E8F3F14A44C8A03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebt_879008DD02DBAEC891073F14A44CE4F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_A3670D83D60F22C8CD903F14A44B55D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebt_879008DD02DBAEC891073F14A44CE4F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesReceivableRelatedParties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableRelatedParties_E315A55B7F65A937BA2E3F14A44CA033" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_A3670D83D60F22C8CD903F14A44B55D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableRelatedParties_E315A55B7F65A937BA2E3F14A44CA033" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SurplusNotes" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SurplusNotes_2C305B40250D86C78E983F14A44C1E94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_A3670D83D60F22C8CD903F14A44B55D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SurplusNotes_2C305B40250D86C78E983F14A44C1E94" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/OtherExpenses" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/OtherExpensesOtherExpensesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/OtherExpensesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/Reinsurance" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ReinsuranceEffectsOfAffiliatedReinsuranceOnBalanceSheetsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceLineItems_DFBA5E211C73968B6C1148F4171962FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceTable_AF51D4467150640BF77A48F41717CE38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceLineItems_DFBA5E211C73968B6C1148F4171962FD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceTable_AF51D4467150640BF77A48F41717CE38" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_5089CF128D9989287E5848F4171868D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceTable_AF51D4467150640BF77A48F41717CE38" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_5089CF128D9989287E5848F4171868D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_A02FB69E5C3328C57D3848F417186DA4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_5089CF128D9989287E5848F4171868D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_A02FB69E5C3328C57D3848F417186DA4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_A02FB69E5C3328C57D3848F417186DA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_5089CF128D9989287E5848F4171868D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_A02FB69E5C3328C57D3848F417186DA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_AssumedReinsuranceMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_AssumedReinsuranceMember_8E114973228CDD9F148548F417183027" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_A02FB69E5C3328C57D3848F417186DA4" xlink:to="loc_bhl_AssumedReinsuranceMember_8E114973228CDD9F148548F417183027" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_CededReinsuranceMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_CededReinsuranceMember_90F24396D8A3410095D548F417182284" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_A02FB69E5C3328C57D3848F417186DA4" xlink:to="loc_bhl_CededReinsuranceMember_90F24396D8A3410095D548F417182284" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_AE0756738FFF82EB94AE48F417184015" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceTable_AF51D4467150640BF77A48F41717CE38" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_AE0756738FFF82EB94AE48F417184015" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_6636E4EA405DD191D7D048F41719B41A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_AE0756738FFF82EB94AE48F417184015" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_6636E4EA405DD191D7D048F41719B41A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_6636E4EA405DD191D7D048F41719B41A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_AE0756738FFF82EB94AE48F417184015" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_6636E4EA405DD191D7D048F41719B41A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember_F1F805EB7C8C6A79934148F417198C71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_6636E4EA405DD191D7D048F41719B41A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember_F1F805EB7C8C6A79934148F417198C71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_E302213DA1555EF609BB48F41719D7F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceLineItems_DFBA5E211C73968B6C1148F4171962FD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_E302213DA1555EF609BB48F41719D7F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNet_691314CE2F287902751E48F4171979FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_E302213DA1555EF609BB48F41719D7F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNet_691314CE2F287902751E48F4171979FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndValueOfBusinessAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndValueOfBusinessAcquired_F06715A0C6516B770C8F48F41719DE84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_E302213DA1555EF609BB48F41719D7F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndValueOfBusinessAcquired_F06715A0C6516B770C8F48F41719DE84" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_D8282A85F3F38B3BF7C448F41719B6A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceLineItems_DFBA5E211C73968B6C1148F4171962FD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_D8282A85F3F38B3BF7C448F41719B6A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefits_2B1D25E84990AF95642948F4171948B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_D8282A85F3F38B3BF7C448F41719B6A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefits_2B1D25E84990AF95642948F4171948B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderContractDeposits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderContractDeposits_8A2A585DAB875DD4021948F4171958A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_D8282A85F3F38B3BF7C448F41719B6A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderContractDeposits_8A2A585DAB875DD4021948F4171958A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPolicyholderFunds" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPolicyholderFunds_2F37BE998438133D06D548F4171A60BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_D8282A85F3F38B3BF7C448F41719B6A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPolicyholderFunds_2F37BE998438133D06D548F4171A60BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_7F38C9F824CA316F007048F4171A5E40" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_D8282A85F3F38B3BF7C448F41719B6A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_7F38C9F824CA316F007048F4171A5E40" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ReinsuranceEffectsOfAffiliatedReinsuranceOnStatementsOfOperationsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_ReinsuranceDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="loc_bhl_ReinsuranceDisclosureLineItems_11615C5015D8455FB76C3F8C82CE49FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_ScheduleOfEffectOfReinsuranceOnIncomeStatementTable" xlink:label="loc_bhl_ScheduleOfEffectOfReinsuranceOnIncomeStatementTable_75B5F95EC42E45C417E93F8C82CD5699" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_bhl_ReinsuranceDisclosureLineItems_11615C5015D8455FB76C3F8C82CE49FF" xlink:to="loc_bhl_ScheduleOfEffectOfReinsuranceOnIncomeStatementTable_75B5F95EC42E45C417E93F8C82CD5699" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_6443B9562FE2DA73BE0D3F8C82CD46DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_bhl_ScheduleOfEffectOfReinsuranceOnIncomeStatementTable_75B5F95EC42E45C417E93F8C82CD5699" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_6443B9562FE2DA73BE0D3F8C82CD46DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_74FADDD61D3875164EAB3F8C82CDD955_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_6443B9562FE2DA73BE0D3F8C82CD46DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_74FADDD61D3875164EAB3F8C82CDD955_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_74FADDD61D3875164EAB3F8C82CDD955" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_6443B9562FE2DA73BE0D3F8C82CD46DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_74FADDD61D3875164EAB3F8C82CDD955" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_NetDerivativeGainLossMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_NetDerivativeGainLossMember_7387EF3CEAD1CC85A4F43F8C82CE916D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_74FADDD61D3875164EAB3F8C82CDD955" xlink:to="loc_bhl_NetDerivativeGainLossMember_7387EF3CEAD1CC85A4F43F8C82CE916D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_ACA0EB44668001C214133F8C82CEDC02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_bhl_ScheduleOfEffectOfReinsuranceOnIncomeStatementTable_75B5F95EC42E45C417E93F8C82CD5699" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_ACA0EB44668001C214133F8C82CEDC02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_9FA971F3979FF6155F613F8C82CE0FE1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_ACA0EB44668001C214133F8C82CEDC02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_9FA971F3979FF6155F613F8C82CE0FE1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_9FA971F3979FF6155F613F8C82CE0FE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_ACA0EB44668001C214133F8C82CEDC02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_9FA971F3979FF6155F613F8C82CE0FE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember_7E497BC31CAFD4D859ED3F8C82CEC92F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_9FA971F3979FF6155F613F8C82CE0FE1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember_7E497BC31CAFD4D859ED3F8C82CEC92F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_5BE3573F18E233B5881B3F8C82CE6EEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_bhl_ScheduleOfEffectOfReinsuranceOnIncomeStatementTable_75B5F95EC42E45C417E93F8C82CD5699" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_5BE3573F18E233B5881B3F8C82CE6EEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_52C5513A6517159E77DF3F8C82CE63BF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_5BE3573F18E233B5881B3F8C82CE6EEF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_52C5513A6517159E77DF3F8C82CE63BF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_52C5513A6517159E77DF3F8C82CE63BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_5BE3573F18E233B5881B3F8C82CE6EEF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_52C5513A6517159E77DF3F8C82CE63BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_AssumedReinsuranceMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_AssumedReinsuranceMember_1DE496FE761CDE67972A3F8C82CEFBEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_52C5513A6517159E77DF3F8C82CE63BF" xlink:to="loc_bhl_AssumedReinsuranceMember_1DE496FE761CDE67972A3F8C82CEFBEA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_CededReinsuranceMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_CededReinsuranceMember_9E0A038DA6EE43FF3FEA3F8C82CEC0F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_52C5513A6517159E77DF3F8C82CE63BF" xlink:to="loc_bhl_CededReinsuranceMember_9E0A038DA6EE43FF3FEA3F8C82CEC0F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_ReinsuranceMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_ReinsuranceMember_5C068BAA8B6CE98BB2BB3F8C82CE336D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_52C5513A6517159E77DF3F8C82CE63BF" xlink:to="loc_bhl_ReinsuranceMember_5C068BAA8B6CE98BB2BB3F8C82CE336D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_PremiumsEarnedAbstract" xlink:label="loc_bhl_PremiumsEarnedAbstract_526F4167716C1F24DBCC3F8C82CEBB75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_ReinsuranceDisclosureLineItems_11615C5015D8455FB76C3F8C82CE49FF" xlink:to="loc_bhl_PremiumsEarnedAbstract_526F4167716C1F24DBCC3F8C82CEBB75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssumedPremiumsEarned" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssumedPremiumsEarned_8ECC6005AD5523961EED3F8C82CE2E0A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_PremiumsEarnedAbstract_526F4167716C1F24DBCC3F8C82CEBB75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssumedPremiumsEarned_8ECC6005AD5523961EED3F8C82CE2E0A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CededPremiumsEarned" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CededPremiumsEarned_6949E40E1AD2367F45B93F8C82CEE4F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_PremiumsEarnedAbstract_526F4167716C1F24DBCC3F8C82CEBB75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CededPremiumsEarned_6949E40E1AD2367F45B93F8C82CEE4F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNet_82B7270B330F08C34B683F8C82CEF894" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_PremiumsEarnedAbstract_526F4167716C1F24DBCC3F8C82CEBB75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNet_82B7270B330F08C34B683F8C82CEF894" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FeesAndCommissionsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FeesAndCommissionsAbstract_1B1B69220EAB68DEAA813F8C82CF6617" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_ReinsuranceDisclosureLineItems_11615C5015D8455FB76C3F8C82CE49FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FeesAndCommissionsAbstract_1B1B69220EAB68DEAA813F8C82CF6617" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_AssumedInsuranceCommissionsAndFees" xlink:label="loc_bhl_AssumedInsuranceCommissionsAndFees_2D9625FCF0209080BA103F8C82CF9C56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FeesAndCommissionsAbstract_1B1B69220EAB68DEAA813F8C82CF6617" xlink:to="loc_bhl_AssumedInsuranceCommissionsAndFees_2D9625FCF0209080BA103F8C82CF9C56" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_CededInsuranceCommissionsAndFees" xlink:label="loc_bhl_CededInsuranceCommissionsAndFees_30EAE7FCDE9C5925B37A3F8C82CF4CC2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FeesAndCommissionsAbstract_1B1B69220EAB68DEAA813F8C82CF6617" xlink:to="loc_bhl_CededInsuranceCommissionsAndFees_30EAE7FCDE9C5925B37A3F8C82CF4CC2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InsuranceCommissionsAndFees" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InsuranceCommissionsAndFees_7441FF7078FA978FF4353F8C82CF1ADD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FeesAndCommissionsAbstract_1B1B69220EAB68DEAA813F8C82CF6617" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InsuranceCommissionsAndFees_7441FF7078FA978FF4353F8C82CF1ADD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncomeAbstract_78B97AF3EDF0D4E98A423F8C82CFF9B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_ReinsuranceDisclosureLineItems_11615C5015D8455FB76C3F8C82CE49FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncomeAbstract_78B97AF3EDF0D4E98A423F8C82CFF9B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_CommissionsFeesAndOtherIncomeAssumed" xlink:label="loc_bhl_CommissionsFeesAndOtherIncomeAssumed_1F6FA814588B11129D4A3F8C82CF09D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncomeAbstract_78B97AF3EDF0D4E98A423F8C82CFF9B5" xlink:to="loc_bhl_CommissionsFeesAndOtherIncomeAssumed_1F6FA814588B11129D4A3F8C82CF09D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_OtherIncomeCeded" xlink:label="loc_bhl_OtherIncomeCeded_281AE4A9081B1F0CC8303F8C82CF1B87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncomeAbstract_78B97AF3EDF0D4E98A423F8C82CFF9B5" xlink:to="loc_bhl_OtherIncomeCeded_281AE4A9081B1F0CC8303F8C82CF1B87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncome_341F890BBE8B1346763C3F8C82CF5E4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncomeAbstract_78B97AF3EDF0D4E98A423F8C82CFF9B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncome_341F890BBE8B1346763C3F8C82CF5E4B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_4C9EF95EDCBE153EC56B3F8C82CFFF88" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_ReinsuranceDisclosureLineItems_11615C5015D8455FB76C3F8C82CE49FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_4C9EF95EDCBE153EC56B3F8C82CFFF88" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredAbstract_D93E651B702F41D316313F8C82CF0C66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_ReinsuranceDisclosureLineItems_11615C5015D8455FB76C3F8C82CE49FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredAbstract_D93E651B702F41D316313F8C82CF0C66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsuranceEffectOnClaimsAndBenefitsIncurredAmountAssumed" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceEffectOnClaimsAndBenefitsIncurredAmountAssumed_451D22E998E7019B07663F8C82CF6C86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredAbstract_D93E651B702F41D316313F8C82CF0C66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceEffectOnClaimsAndBenefitsIncurredAmountAssumed_451D22E998E7019B07663F8C82CF6C86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsuranceEffectOnClaimsAndBenefitsIncurredAmountCeded" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceEffectOnClaimsAndBenefitsIncurredAmountCeded_9747443D86204452D13C3F8C82CFFC30" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredAbstract_D93E651B702F41D316313F8C82CF0C66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceEffectOnClaimsAndBenefitsIncurredAmountCeded_9747443D86204452D13C3F8C82CFFC30" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsuranceCostsAndRecoveriesNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceCostsAndRecoveriesNet_895CF56F458B31B40BAE3F8C82CF0BBA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredAbstract_D93E651B702F41D316313F8C82CF0C66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceCostsAndRecoveriesNet_895CF56F458B31B40BAE3F8C82CF0BBA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_InterestCreditedToPolicyholderAccountBalancesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_bhl_InterestCreditedToPolicyholderAccountBalancesAbstract_9BCCE91BD475AD7912873F8C82CFBB03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_ReinsuranceDisclosureLineItems_11615C5015D8455FB76C3F8C82CE49FF" xlink:to="loc_bhl_InterestCreditedToPolicyholderAccountBalancesAbstract_9BCCE91BD475AD7912873F8C82CFBB03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndPresentValueOfFutureProfitsAmortization1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndPresentValueOfFutureProfitsAmortization1_451E4E4B9C74482DAA273F8C82CFB6EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_ReinsuranceDisclosureLineItems_11615C5015D8455FB76C3F8C82CE49FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndPresentValueOfFutureProfitsAmortization1_451E4E4B9C74482DAA273F8C82CFB6EC" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ReinsuranceEffectsOfReinsuranceOnBalanceSheetDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceLineItems_8E3C2DDC56B79EB4AD8B48F41A2A53ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceTable_9735F2C9D54C185A78E248F41A2A7DD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceLineItems_8E3C2DDC56B79EB4AD8B48F41A2A53ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceTable_9735F2C9D54C185A78E248F41A2A7DD2" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_8573317F2C53C1F8661548F41A2ADD7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceTable_9735F2C9D54C185A78E248F41A2A7DD2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_8573317F2C53C1F8661548F41A2ADD7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_CE870140C5200F9E8A5E48F41A2A08A9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_8573317F2C53C1F8661548F41A2ADD7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_CE870140C5200F9E8A5E48F41A2A08A9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_CE870140C5200F9E8A5E48F41A2A08A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_8573317F2C53C1F8661548F41A2ADD7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_CE870140C5200F9E8A5E48F41A2A08A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_DirectReinsuranceMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_DirectReinsuranceMember_36A5E52B3E448299153448F41A2AF709" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_CE870140C5200F9E8A5E48F41A2A08A9" xlink:to="loc_bhl_DirectReinsuranceMember_36A5E52B3E448299153448F41A2AF709" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_AssumedReinsuranceMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_AssumedReinsuranceMember_2B74282A4C4F205A144448F41A2AF53E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_CE870140C5200F9E8A5E48F41A2A08A9" xlink:to="loc_bhl_AssumedReinsuranceMember_2B74282A4C4F205A144448F41A2AF53E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_CededReinsuranceMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_CededReinsuranceMember_9453442E3F623D92289848F41A2A9281" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_CE870140C5200F9E8A5E48F41A2A08A9" xlink:to="loc_bhl_CededReinsuranceMember_9453442E3F623D92289848F41A2A9281" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepositContractsLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepositContractsLiabilities_946996DFA7D1C1A27C8E48F41A2A9771" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceLineItems_8E3C2DDC56B79EB4AD8B48F41A2A53ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepositContractsLiabilities_946996DFA7D1C1A27C8E48F41A2A9771" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_6FAE095CF8055BEAE16648F41A2A098B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceLineItems_8E3C2DDC56B79EB4AD8B48F41A2A53ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_6FAE095CF8055BEAE16648F41A2A098B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNet_7B80FB541766B385837648F41A2AE793" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_6FAE095CF8055BEAE16648F41A2A098B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNet_7B80FB541766B385837648F41A2AE793" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndValueOfBusinessAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndValueOfBusinessAcquired_D9C1DD213BC244DDEAFB48F41A2AE090" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_6FAE095CF8055BEAE16648F41A2A098B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndValueOfBusinessAcquired_D9C1DD213BC244DDEAFB48F41A2AE090" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_16842D01D06C475A5FE248F41A2A12EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceLineItems_8E3C2DDC56B79EB4AD8B48F41A2A53ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_16842D01D06C475A5FE248F41A2A12EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefits_D426E71FB914DDF300AE48F41A2A6A3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_16842D01D06C475A5FE248F41A2A12EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefits_D426E71FB914DDF300AE48F41A2A6A3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderContractDeposits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderContractDeposits_019695FBE2BC9EB7856548F41A39525C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_16842D01D06C475A5FE248F41A2A12EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderContractDeposits_019695FBE2BC9EB7856548F41A39525C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPolicyholderFunds" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPolicyholderFunds_4290D659AF2C6DCCD0DF48F41A39E601" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_16842D01D06C475A5FE248F41A2A12EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPolicyholderFunds_4290D659AF2C6DCCD0DF48F41A39E601" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_91F8840B08B81B9E504E48F41A39B100" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_16842D01D06C475A5FE248F41A2A12EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_91F8840B08B81B9E504E48F41A39B100" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ReinsuranceEffectsOfReinsuranceOnEarningsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ReinsuranceNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CededCreditRiskLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskLineItems_BA64CF3093A14A91C5394504280EF323" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CededCreditRiskTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskTable_58687EEF4B2C284ADB064504280E6C63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskLineItems_BA64CF3093A14A91C5394504280EF323" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskTable_58687EEF4B2C284ADB064504280E6C63" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_967F5391D002744C74824504280E144A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskTable_58687EEF4B2C284ADB064504280E6C63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_967F5391D002744C74824504280E144A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_AEC4C57A21E9FEB2CE694504280E8331_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_967F5391D002744C74824504280E144A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_AEC4C57A21E9FEB2CE694504280E8331_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_AEC4C57A21E9FEB2CE694504280E8331" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_967F5391D002744C74824504280E144A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_AEC4C57A21E9FEB2CE694504280E8331" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_85BAC6DE31109204EBDA4504280E07EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_AEC4C57A21E9FEB2CE694504280E8331" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_85BAC6DE31109204EBDA4504280E07EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CededCreditRiskCollateralizationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskCollateralizationAxis_A0935ABAB668C156AA034504280E0F8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskTable_58687EEF4B2C284ADB064504280E6C63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskCollateralizationAxis_A0935ABAB668C156AA034504280E0F8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CededCreditRiskCollateralizationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskCollateralizationDomain_9E1289D64FC4E5256C594504280E821D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskCollateralizationAxis_A0935ABAB668C156AA034504280E0F8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskCollateralizationDomain_9E1289D64FC4E5256C594504280E821D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CededCreditRiskCollateralizationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskCollateralizationDomain_9E1289D64FC4E5256C594504280E821D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskCollateralizationAxis_A0935ABAB668C156AA034504280E0F8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskCollateralizationDomain_9E1289D64FC4E5256C594504280E821D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CededCreditRiskSecuredMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskSecuredMember_3A1D53350282A06E47484504280EF8A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskCollateralizationDomain_9E1289D64FC4E5256C594504280E821D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskSecuredMember_3A1D53350282A06E47484504280EF8A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CededCreditRiskUnsecuredMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskUnsecuredMember_43473EF954A5571868564504280E9736" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskCollateralizationDomain_9E1289D64FC4E5256C594504280E821D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskUnsecuredMember_43473EF954A5571868564504280E9736" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CededCreditRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskAxis_E5F2E934A2B9D63595DD4504280E8DF7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskTable_58687EEF4B2C284ADB064504280E6C63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskAxis_E5F2E934A2B9D63595DD4504280E8DF7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CededCreditRiskReinsurerDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskReinsurerDomain_3E26830651FF06DDD61B4504280E6FED_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskAxis_E5F2E934A2B9D63595DD4504280E8DF7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskReinsurerDomain_3E26830651FF06DDD61B4504280E6FED_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CededCreditRiskReinsurerDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskReinsurerDomain_3E26830651FF06DDD61B4504280E6FED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskAxis_E5F2E934A2B9D63595DD4504280E8DF7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskReinsurerDomain_3E26830651FF06DDD61B4504280E6FED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_FiveLargestCededReinsurersMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_FiveLargestCededReinsurersMember_DB19D3E72BC849A2946F4504280EDE65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskReinsurerDomain_3E26830651FF06DDD61B4504280E6FED" xlink:to="loc_bhl_FiveLargestCededReinsurersMember_DB19D3E72BC849A2946F4504280EDE65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_DF834F5084978A9953414504280E4EC9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskTable_58687EEF4B2C284ADB064504280E6C63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_DF834F5084978A9953414504280E4EC9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_F69973CCD955F377398C4504280E4B1E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_DF834F5084978A9953414504280E4EC9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_F69973CCD955F377398C4504280E4B1E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_F69973CCD955F377398C4504280E4B1E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_DF834F5084978A9953414504280E4EC9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_F69973CCD955F377398C4504280E4B1E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LifeInsuranceSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LifeInsuranceSegmentMember_CCD65B5A7EA75BF17FBC4504280E2F60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_F69973CCD955F377398C4504280E4B1E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LifeInsuranceSegmentMember_CCD65B5A7EA75BF17FBC4504280E2F60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccidentAndHealthInsuranceSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccidentAndHealthInsuranceSegmentMember_AC6DD6B4F00F8460F4B14504280E018B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_F69973CCD955F377398C4504280E4B1E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccidentAndHealthInsuranceSegmentMember_AC6DD6B4F00F8460F4B14504280E018B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_PWLMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_PWLMember_4A6DB1CA2C24F365332E4504280E6AA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_F69973CCD955F377398C4504280E4B1E" xlink:to="loc_bhl_PWLMember_4A6DB1CA2C24F365332E4504280E6AA1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_PercentageOfParticipatingWholeLifeInsurancePolicies" xlink:label="loc_bhl_PercentageOfParticipatingWholeLifeInsurancePolicies_FCE2521A93E5C51213724504280E3416" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskLineItems_BA64CF3093A14A91C5394504280EF323" xlink:to="loc_bhl_PercentageOfParticipatingWholeLifeInsurancePolicies_FCE2521A93E5C51213724504280E3416" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_ReinsuranceRecoverablesCeded" xlink:label="loc_bhl_ReinsuranceRecoverablesCeded_EB2D98092B6F4C8EA58F4504280ECCD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskLineItems_BA64CF3093A14A91C5394504280EF323" xlink:to="loc_bhl_ReinsuranceRecoverablesCeded_EB2D98092B6F4C8EA58F4504280ECCD8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_CededCreditRiskReinsuranceRecoverablesNet" xlink:label="loc_bhl_CededCreditRiskReinsuranceRecoverablesNet_5DFCCD6E1C1DC54E0CB64504280E6303" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskLineItems_BA64CF3093A14A91C5394504280EF323" xlink:to="loc_bhl_CededCreditRiskReinsuranceRecoverablesNet_5DFCCD6E1C1DC54E0CB64504280E6303" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_CededCreditRiskReinsuranceRecoverablesPercentage" xlink:label="loc_bhl_CededCreditRiskReinsuranceRecoverablesPercentage_A5057689E50942337C744504280E5187" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskLineItems_BA64CF3093A14A91C5394504280EF323" xlink:to="loc_bhl_CededCreditRiskReinsuranceRecoverablesPercentage_A5057689E50942337C744504280E5187" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsuranceRecoverablesAllowance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceRecoverablesAllowance_F479CB7A9F32AEE8F77F4504280E0301" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskLineItems_BA64CF3093A14A91C5394504280EF323" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceRecoverablesAllowance_F479CB7A9F32AEE8F77F4504280E0301" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefits_9DA451F094CB2F24C3E04504280E1F4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskLineItems_BA64CF3093A14A91C5394504280EF323" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefits_9DA451F094CB2F24C3E04504280E1F4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_OtherPolicyRelatedBalances" xlink:label="loc_bhl_OtherPolicyRelatedBalances_C752EA783D1465FE2CB34504280EABEE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskLineItems_BA64CF3093A14A91C5394504280EF323" xlink:to="loc_bhl_OtherPolicyRelatedBalances_C752EA783D1465FE2CB34504280EABEE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsAndShortTermInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsAndShortTermInvestments_3A9DC678AE5801438C624504280E0E1E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskLineItems_BA64CF3093A14A91C5394504280EF323" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsAndShortTermInvestments_3A9DC678AE5801438C624504280E0E1E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_2D74FF29D967CBB6BC524504280E4932" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskLineItems_BA64CF3093A14A91C5394504280EF323" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_2D74FF29D967CBB6BC524504280E4932" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherInvestments_CD09332651F4D46311B94504280EC268" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskLineItems_BA64CF3093A14A91C5394504280EF323" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherInvestments_CD09332651F4D46311B94504280EC268" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndValueOfBusinessAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndValueOfBusinessAcquired_20567201EEFAB78B0EB34504280EFB86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskLineItems_BA64CF3093A14A91C5394504280EF323" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndValueOfBusinessAcquired_20567201EEFAB78B0EB34504280EFB86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_AD28811856733EC278D84504280E9DAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskLineItems_BA64CF3093A14A91C5394504280EF323" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_AD28811856733EC278D84504280E9DAF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_B7AB07622C07AB8771E64504280E1D19" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskLineItems_BA64CF3093A14A91C5394504280EF323" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_B7AB07622C07AB8771E64504280E1D19" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyLineItems_5D0CB2727E9A462C04654504280E48C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyTable_BD510879D341A73F44AD4504280E4B03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyLineItems_5D0CB2727E9A462C04654504280E48C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyTable_BD510879D341A73F44AD4504280E4B03" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsurancePolicyTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePolicyTypeAxis_F2663081EC7AD2C9F4054504280EF620" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyTable_BD510879D341A73F44AD4504280E4B03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePolicyTypeAxis_F2663081EC7AD2C9F4054504280EF620" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsurancePolicyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePolicyDomain_4141B717AB58AF7F39604504280EBDEE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePolicyTypeAxis_F2663081EC7AD2C9F4054504280EF620" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePolicyDomain_4141B717AB58AF7F39604504280EBDEE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsurancePolicyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePolicyDomain_4141B717AB58AF7F39604504280EBDEE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePolicyTypeAxis_F2663081EC7AD2C9F4054504280EF620" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePolicyDomain_4141B717AB58AF7F39604504280EBDEE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_MortalityRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_MortalityRiskMember_CE208DC775D6F42A2B084504280EF129" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePolicyDomain_4141B717AB58AF7F39604504280EBDEE" xlink:to="loc_bhl_MortalityRiskMember_CE208DC775D6F42A2B084504280EF129" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_MortalityRiskOnCaseByCaseBasisMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_MortalityRiskOnCaseByCaseBasisMember_A1349000A3AA16563E404504280E3C1E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePolicyDomain_4141B717AB58AF7F39604504280EBDEE" xlink:to="loc_bhl_MortalityRiskOnCaseByCaseBasisMember_A1349000A3AA16563E404504280E3C1E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_QuotaShareReinsuranceForCertainDisabilityBusinessMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_QuotaShareReinsuranceForCertainDisabilityBusinessMember_40E8F200E856ED1C95334504280E117D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePolicyDomain_4141B717AB58AF7F39604504280EBDEE" xlink:to="loc_bhl_QuotaShareReinsuranceForCertainDisabilityBusinessMember_40E8F200E856ED1C95334504280E117D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_LivingAndDeathBenefitGuaranteesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_LivingAndDeathBenefitGuaranteesMember_D4FC87E33ACCC057F1EC4504280ECE07" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePolicyDomain_4141B717AB58AF7F39604504280EBDEE" xlink:to="loc_bhl_LivingAndDeathBenefitGuaranteesMember_D4FC87E33ACCC057F1EC4504280ECE07" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyReinsuredRiskPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyReinsuredRiskPercentage_E7DF82FF226C4BB149084504280E7759" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyLineItems_5D0CB2727E9A462C04654504280E48C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyReinsuredRiskPercentage_E7DF82FF226C4BB149084504280E7759" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyAmountRetained" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyAmountRetained_F43DF9D11B326416652D4504280EC676" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyLineItems_5D0CB2727E9A462C04654504280E48C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyAmountRetained_F43DF9D11B326416652D4504280EC676" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyExcessRetentionPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyExcessRetentionPercentage_BB9D28EF109236F0844C4504280EFDF6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyLineItems_5D0CB2727E9A462C04654504280E48C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyExcessRetentionPercentage_BB9D28EF109236F0844C4504280EFDF6" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ReinsuranceRelatedPartyNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A3EFA86E1A1F5972A0413F14A2E9004E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_FA3554071447608829D93F14A2E7D39A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A3EFA86E1A1F5972A0413F14A2E9004E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_FA3554071447608829D93F14A2E7D39A" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CededCreditRiskCollateralizationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskCollateralizationAxis_4A0DC8137D56D60BFCC33F14A2E7E489" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_FA3554071447608829D93F14A2E7D39A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskCollateralizationAxis_4A0DC8137D56D60BFCC33F14A2E7E489" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CededCreditRiskCollateralizationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskCollateralizationDomain_44B0D8F4CC61D31E65A33F14A2E78B1B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskCollateralizationAxis_4A0DC8137D56D60BFCC33F14A2E7E489" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskCollateralizationDomain_44B0D8F4CC61D31E65A33F14A2E78B1B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CededCreditRiskCollateralizationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskCollateralizationDomain_44B0D8F4CC61D31E65A33F14A2E78B1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskCollateralizationAxis_4A0DC8137D56D60BFCC33F14A2E7E489" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskCollateralizationDomain_44B0D8F4CC61D31E65A33F14A2E78B1B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CededCreditRiskUnsecuredMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskUnsecuredMember_C87686311E5886E14AFB3F14A2E7D514" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskCollateralizationDomain_44B0D8F4CC61D31E65A33F14A2E78B1B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskUnsecuredMember_C87686311E5886E14AFB3F14A2E7D514" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_C3C24F582DBCCEDA88C73F14A2E7E102" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_FA3554071447608829D93F14A2E7D39A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_C3C24F582DBCCEDA88C73F14A2E7E102" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_F2BCE17D08D7C3B11FBD3F14A2E79B40_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_C3C24F582DBCCEDA88C73F14A2E7E102" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_F2BCE17D08D7C3B11FBD3F14A2E79B40_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_F2BCE17D08D7C3B11FBD3F14A2E79B40" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_C3C24F582DBCCEDA88C73F14A2E7E102" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_F2BCE17D08D7C3B11FBD3F14A2E79B40" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_MetropolitanLifeInsuranceCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_MetropolitanLifeInsuranceCompanyMember_E95CFCA8FB49086DD51A3F14A2E7BC7E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_F2BCE17D08D7C3B11FBD3F14A2E79B40" xlink:to="loc_bhl_MetropolitanLifeInsuranceCompanyMember_E95CFCA8FB49086DD51A3F14A2E7BC7E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_BrighthouseLifeInsuranceCompanyNYMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_BrighthouseLifeInsuranceCompanyNYMember_30860307DEF1D13A779A3F14A2E7C3FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_F2BCE17D08D7C3B11FBD3F14A2E79B40" xlink:to="loc_bhl_BrighthouseLifeInsuranceCompanyNYMember_30860307DEF1D13A779A3F14A2E7C3FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_NewEnglandLifeInsuranceCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_NewEnglandLifeInsuranceCompanyMember_1986A376EDB0DCBC67943F14A2E7892D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_F2BCE17D08D7C3B11FBD3F14A2E79B40" xlink:to="loc_bhl_NewEnglandLifeInsuranceCompanyMember_1986A376EDB0DCBC67943F14A2E7892D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_BrighthouseLifeInsuranceCoofNYMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_BrighthouseLifeInsuranceCoofNYMember_1A9DC1B7C93F468EAC783F14A2E78519" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_F2BCE17D08D7C3B11FBD3F14A2E79B40" xlink:to="loc_bhl_BrighthouseLifeInsuranceCoofNYMember_1A9DC1B7C93F468EAC783F14A2E78519" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_D96002BAB3DC21CCA4B33F14A2E7BE86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_FA3554071447608829D93F14A2E7D39A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_D96002BAB3DC21CCA4B33F14A2E7BE86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_8B0B2A5077BDB608AB193F14A2E7FC0F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_D96002BAB3DC21CCA4B33F14A2E7BE86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_8B0B2A5077BDB608AB193F14A2E7FC0F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_8B0B2A5077BDB608AB193F14A2E7FC0F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_D96002BAB3DC21CCA4B33F14A2E7BE86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_8B0B2A5077BDB608AB193F14A2E7FC0F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_CededReinsuranceMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_CededReinsuranceMember_B5A058D6D20DBF18043A3F14A2E7EA42" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_8B0B2A5077BDB608AB193F14A2E7FC0F" xlink:to="loc_bhl_CededReinsuranceMember_B5A058D6D20DBF18043A3F14A2E7EA42" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_FEA9380416BFB81E33713F14A2E7E252" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_FA3554071447608829D93F14A2E7D39A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_FEA9380416BFB81E33713F14A2E7E252" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_8AB392489602B84173633F14A2E8E612_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_FEA9380416BFB81E33713F14A2E7E252" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_8AB392489602B84173633F14A2E8E612_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_8AB392489602B84173633F14A2E8E612" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_FEA9380416BFB81E33713F14A2E7E252" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_8AB392489602B84173633F14A2E8E612" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_EF2C5C1F357692BD3ACB3F14A2E8BBE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_8AB392489602B84173633F14A2E8E612" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_EF2C5C1F357692BD3ACB3F14A2E8BBE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_A5534EDF48AEF4A4491C3F14A2E82385" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_FA3554071447608829D93F14A2E7D39A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_A5534EDF48AEF4A4491C3F14A2E82385" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_22FCFE522E1DE269166C3F14A2E8C65E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_A5534EDF48AEF4A4491C3F14A2E82385" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_22FCFE522E1DE269166C3F14A2E8C65E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_22FCFE522E1DE269166C3F14A2E8C65E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_A5534EDF48AEF4A4491C3F14A2E82385" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_22FCFE522E1DE269166C3F14A2E8C65E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember_A264F646F99ED18554C93F14A2E85FD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_22FCFE522E1DE269166C3F14A2E8C65E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember_A264F646F99ED18554C93F14A2E85FD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitAxis_6DCA4371F4AD4E2B1C4F3F14A2E893F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_FA3554071447608829D93F14A2E7D39A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitAxis_6DCA4371F4AD4E2B1C4F3F14A2E893F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain_6094ECF5DA9931D640163F14A2E8118C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitAxis_6DCA4371F4AD4E2B1C4F3F14A2E893F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain_6094ECF5DA9931D640163F14A2E8118C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain_6094ECF5DA9931D640163F14A2E8118C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitAxis_6DCA4371F4AD4E2B1C4F3F14A2E893F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain_6094ECF5DA9931D640163F14A2E8118C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_SPDARecaptureMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_SPDARecaptureMember_8E3D0B03F3039EC29DEF3F14A2E8BF73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain_6094ECF5DA9931D640163F14A2E8118C" xlink:to="loc_bhl_SPDARecaptureMember_8E3D0B03F3039EC29DEF3F14A2E8BF73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_AssumedGuaranteedMinimumBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_AssumedGuaranteedMinimumBenefitMember_C393E0C31E01A3EF80573F14A2E8BB49" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain_6094ECF5DA9931D640163F14A2E8118C" xlink:to="loc_bhl_AssumedGuaranteedMinimumBenefitMember_C393E0C31E01A3EF80573F14A2E8BB49" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_NetCededandAssumedLiabilitiesForGuaranteesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_NetCededandAssumedLiabilitiesForGuaranteesMember_91D44B3ED8DD32BEA68B3F14A2E8B7AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain_6094ECF5DA9931D640163F14A2E8118C" xlink:to="loc_bhl_NetCededandAssumedLiabilitiesForGuaranteesMember_91D44B3ED8DD32BEA68B3F14A2E8B7AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_CededGuaranteedMinimumBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_CededGuaranteedMinimumBenefitMember_5867B7B3731DC9989EBB3F14A2E82A55" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain_6094ECF5DA9931D640163F14A2E8118C" xlink:to="loc_bhl_CededGuaranteedMinimumBenefitMember_5867B7B3731DC9989EBB3F14A2E82A55" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_RecaptureMLUSMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_RecaptureMLUSMember_547F1117C0F3FB5A69683F14A2E8D801" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain_6094ECF5DA9931D640163F14A2E8118C" xlink:to="loc_bhl_RecaptureMLUSMember_547F1117C0F3FB5A69683F14A2E8D801" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_LifeandOtherMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_LifeandOtherMember_CBF72FD2F17C3283D6303F14A2E8D96D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain_6094ECF5DA9931D640163F14A2E8118C" xlink:to="loc_bhl_LifeandOtherMember_CBF72FD2F17C3283D6303F14A2E8D96D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_AffiliateRecaptureVariableAnnuitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_AffiliateRecaptureVariableAnnuitiesMember_EB9722FD0E1A5C0BDD993F14A2E89EE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain_6094ECF5DA9931D640163F14A2E8118C" xlink:to="loc_bhl_AffiliateRecaptureVariableAnnuitiesMember_EB9722FD0E1A5C0BDD993F14A2E89EE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_MRVTermRecaptureMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_MRVTermRecaptureMember_3D8742AE9D07F0FB3BFD3F14A2E80682" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain_6094ECF5DA9931D640163F14A2E8118C" xlink:to="loc_bhl_MRVTermRecaptureMember_3D8742AE9D07F0FB3BFD3F14A2E80682" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_BHLRecaptureGMIBMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_BHLRecaptureGMIBMember_1671D4F01B404BEB8FC43F14A2E909E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteedInsuranceContractTypeOfBenefitDomain_6094ECF5DA9931D640163F14A2E8118C" xlink:to="loc_bhl_BHLRecaptureGMIBMember_1671D4F01B404BEB8FC43F14A2E909E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyReinsuredRiskPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyReinsuredRiskPercentage_DCABD7335C792127F42A3F14A2E96809" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A3EFA86E1A1F5972A0413F14A2E9004E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyReinsuredRiskPercentage_DCABD7335C792127F42A3F14A2E96809" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsuranceDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceDisclosuresAbstract_76F068EEDD0BA3F8459A3F14A2E9165A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A3EFA86E1A1F5972A0413F14A2E9004E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceDisclosuresAbstract_76F068EEDD0BA3F8459A3F14A2E9165A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeLiability_F2888247CC0582F64FAF3F14A2E94540" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceDisclosuresAbstract_76F068EEDD0BA3F8459A3F14A2E9165A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeLiability_F2888247CC0582F64FAF3F14A2E94540" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_580CBA7CB56B5D35C5173F14A2E9D701" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceDisclosuresAbstract_76F068EEDD0BA3F8459A3F14A2E9165A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_580CBA7CB56B5D35C5173F14A2E9D701" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsAndShortTermInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsAndShortTermInvestments_E03499628E39F96AB0C53F14A2EEC471" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceDisclosuresAbstract_76F068EEDD0BA3F8459A3F14A2E9165A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsAndShortTermInvestments_E03499628E39F96AB0C53F14A2EEC471" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCosts_97F6E3E160E7F09191E23F14A2EE0A27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceDisclosuresAbstract_76F068EEDD0BA3F8459A3F14A2E9165A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCosts_97F6E3E160E7F09191E23F14A2EE0A27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet_D2B352D793D168332A313F14A2EE0E12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceDisclosuresAbstract_76F068EEDD0BA3F8459A3F14A2E9165A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet_D2B352D793D168332A313F14A2EE0E12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNet_858BEFC722B3936234DA3F14A2EEAE0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceDisclosuresAbstract_76F068EEDD0BA3F8459A3F14A2E9165A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNet_858BEFC722B3936234DA3F14A2EEAE0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndValueOfBusinessAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndValueOfBusinessAcquired_EE146C27F2CA248D9DA53F14A2EE3E57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceDisclosuresAbstract_76F068EEDD0BA3F8459A3F14A2E9165A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsAndValueOfBusinessAcquired_EE146C27F2CA248D9DA53F14A2EE3E57" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_446FF87594CAF10B82433F14A2EEF473" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceDisclosuresAbstract_76F068EEDD0BA3F8459A3F14A2E9165A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_446FF87594CAF10B82433F14A2EEF473" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefits_8E51958C5AF00658ABF33F14A2EE04CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceDisclosuresAbstract_76F068EEDD0BA3F8459A3F14A2E9165A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefits_8E51958C5AF00658ABF33F14A2EE04CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyholderContractDeposits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderContractDeposits_2F74680E503F67B8726D3F14A2EE686A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceDisclosuresAbstract_76F068EEDD0BA3F8459A3F14A2E9165A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PolicyholderContractDeposits_2F74680E503F67B8726D3F14A2EE686A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_OtherPolicyRelatedBalances" xlink:label="loc_bhl_OtherPolicyRelatedBalances_39D5D2EEFE72BDE450593F14A2EEFBF0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceDisclosuresAbstract_76F068EEDD0BA3F8459A3F14A2E9165A" xlink:to="loc_bhl_OtherPolicyRelatedBalances_39D5D2EEFE72BDE450593F14A2EEFBF0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeAsset_128F0D2DB6B16074D7BE3F14A2EEE089" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceDisclosuresAbstract_76F068EEDD0BA3F8459A3F14A2E9165A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeAsset_128F0D2DB6B16074D7BE3F14A2EEE089" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_ReinsuranceRecoverablesCeded" xlink:label="loc_bhl_ReinsuranceRecoverablesCeded_27BFBBC4709AD4B0A0DD3F14A2EE6DBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceDisclosuresAbstract_76F068EEDD0BA3F8459A3F14A2E9165A" xlink:to="loc_bhl_ReinsuranceRecoverablesCeded_27BFBBC4709AD4B0A0DD3F14A2EE6DBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_EBF782D3C12DCE2D76863F14A2EF2598" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceDisclosuresAbstract_76F068EEDD0BA3F8459A3F14A2E9165A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_EBF782D3C12DCE2D76863F14A2EF2598" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepositContractsAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepositContractsAssets_96E55DF5888FC421DFA73F14A2EF0076" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceDisclosuresAbstract_76F068EEDD0BA3F8459A3F14A2E9165A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepositContractsAssets_96E55DF5888FC421DFA73F14A2EF0076" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepositContractsLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepositContractsLiabilities_F7F0E54D15499AEBA6693F14A2EFA358" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceDisclosuresAbstract_76F068EEDD0BA3F8459A3F14A2E9165A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepositContractsLiabilities_F7F0E54D15499AEBA6693F14A2EFA358" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/ReinsuranceTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_ReinsuranceDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="loc_bhl_ReinsuranceDisclosureLineItems_0F7A20DBD46085A413B62B722B886D23" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_ScheduleOfEffectOfReinsuranceOnIncomeStatementTable" xlink:label="loc_bhl_ScheduleOfEffectOfReinsuranceOnIncomeStatementTable_1D3F45E3BEC47EDB58B22B722B88F238" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_bhl_ReinsuranceDisclosureLineItems_0F7A20DBD46085A413B62B722B886D23" xlink:to="loc_bhl_ScheduleOfEffectOfReinsuranceOnIncomeStatementTable_1D3F45E3BEC47EDB58B22B722B88F238" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_37938317A6398D1E4D9A2B722B88EC8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_bhl_ScheduleOfEffectOfReinsuranceOnIncomeStatementTable_1D3F45E3BEC47EDB58B22B722B88F238" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_37938317A6398D1E4D9A2B722B88EC8F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_E35F1BDB6284B6CA1AB12B722B887057_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_37938317A6398D1E4D9A2B722B88EC8F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_E35F1BDB6284B6CA1AB12B722B887057_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_E35F1BDB6284B6CA1AB12B722B887057" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_37938317A6398D1E4D9A2B722B88EC8F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_E35F1BDB6284B6CA1AB12B722B887057" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember_4CC2E447DCF779C3863C2B722B887F1C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_E35F1BDB6284B6CA1AB12B722B887057" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember_4CC2E447DCF779C3863C2B722B887F1C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceTableTextBlock_A5973824EA74C151ABFF2B722B8810CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bhl_ReinsuranceDisclosureLineItems_0F7A20DBD46085A413B62B722B886D23" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceTableTextBlock_A5973824EA74C151ABFF2B722B8810CC" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionRelatedPartyTransactionNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsRelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_72825B93556D5B1203C144A064FEE779" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_8C9EAAD542E606AB821C44A064FE0803" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_72825B93556D5B1203C144A064FEE779" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_8C9EAAD542E606AB821C44A064FE0803" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_11B012E3F488DAE6A54C44A064FE1DD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_8C9EAAD542E606AB821C44A064FE0803" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_11B012E3F488DAE6A54C44A064FE1DD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_2BD6C1E12D47ECD7C99344A064FECA09_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_11B012E3F488DAE6A54C44A064FE1DD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_2BD6C1E12D47ECD7C99344A064FECA09_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_2BD6C1E12D47ECD7C99344A064FECA09" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_11B012E3F488DAE6A54C44A064FE1DD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_2BD6C1E12D47ECD7C99344A064FECA09" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_AllServicesandTransactionsExceptBrokerDealerActivitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_AllServicesandTransactionsExceptBrokerDealerActivitiesMember_69725F533F841D3001B544A064FE14C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_2BD6C1E12D47ECD7C99344A064FECA09" xlink:to="loc_bhl_AllServicesandTransactionsExceptBrokerDealerActivitiesMember_69725F533F841D3001B544A064FE14C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_BrokerDealerActivitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_BrokerDealerActivitiesMember_F91E55A9C34A60E62B3344A064FED519" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_2BD6C1E12D47ECD7C99344A064FECA09" xlink:to="loc_bhl_BrokerDealerActivitiesMember_F91E55A9C34A60E62B3344A064FED519" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties_C945C1D851B888A4EAB944A064FF8A39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_72825B93556D5B1203C144A064FEE779" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties_C945C1D851B888A4EAB944A064FF8A39" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_755725D7574307FE590544A064FF5CAE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_72825B93556D5B1203C144A064FEE779" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_755725D7574307FE590544A064FF5CAE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueFromRelatedParties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueFromRelatedParties_9BB91EE6BCEA3BF408D944A064FFD303" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_72825B93556D5B1203C144A064FEE779" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueFromRelatedParties_9BB91EE6BCEA3BF408D944A064FFD303" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_08259DADDA8ADC2C7E3B44A064FFB2E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_72825B93556D5B1203C144A064FEE779" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_08259DADDA8ADC2C7E3B44A064FFB2E2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/SegmentInformation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/SegmentInformationAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_C91004164E1A13A490312B722BE55EA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_5333DE561B991D91BBE82B722BE45DF6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_C91004164E1A13A490312B722BE55EA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_5333DE561B991D91BBE82B722BE45DF6" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_A35C43232BE94046CBC42B722BE45EBE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_5333DE561B991D91BBE82B722BE45DF6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_A35C43232BE94046CBC42B722BE45EBE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_56368F31FDE0013A2C0B2B722BE49E8E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_A35C43232BE94046CBC42B722BE45EBE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_56368F31FDE0013A2C0B2B722BE49E8E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_56368F31FDE0013A2C0B2B722BE49E8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_A35C43232BE94046CBC42B722BE45EBE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_56368F31FDE0013A2C0B2B722BE49E8E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_AnnuitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_AnnuitiesMember_D68786C78164DF6B4B562B722BE43BF7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_56368F31FDE0013A2C0B2B722BE49E8E" xlink:to="loc_bhl_AnnuitiesMember_D68786C78164DF6B4B562B722BE43BF7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_LifeMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_LifeMember_32D0F537233AE34831502B722BE409E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_56368F31FDE0013A2C0B2B722BE49E8E" xlink:to="loc_bhl_LifeMember_32D0F537233AE34831502B722BE409E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_RunoffMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_RunoffMember_423F0DC0502CF40F8D482B722BE58003" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_56368F31FDE0013A2C0B2B722BE49E8E" xlink:to="loc_bhl_RunoffMember_423F0DC0502CF40F8D482B722BE58003" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember_04EE1DA05AC560FAF5CE2B722BE5C377" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_56368F31FDE0013A2C0B2B722BE49E8E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember_04EE1DA05AC560FAF5CE2B722BE5C377" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_BB7F9307C7B3C45073832B722BE5F2CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_C91004164E1A13A490312B722BE55EA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_BB7F9307C7B3C45073832B722BE5F2CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssets_24FAC6386CDFC0EDA6552B722BE54E89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_C91004164E1A13A490312B722BE55EA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountAssets_24FAC6386CDFC0EDA6552B722BE54E89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeparateAccountsLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountsLiability_6987CF6A3B7FB7699D8F2B722BE5D56B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_C91004164E1A13A490312B722BE55EA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeparateAccountsLiability_6987CF6A3B7FB7699D8F2B722BE5D56B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/SegmentInformationNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/SegmentInformationOperatingResultsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_87BAD78F768C1CC9624245CA5E351AC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_B76382B9044279302B0D45CA5E35CDDC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_87BAD78F768C1CC9624245CA5E351AC3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_B76382B9044279302B0D45CA5E35CDDC" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_9AD34219801C4A5855E745CA5E35F049" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_B76382B9044279302B0D45CA5E35CDDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_9AD34219801C4A5855E745CA5E35F049" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_275E67B6BF1E5F54DEA445CA5E35444F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_9AD34219801C4A5855E745CA5E35F049" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_275E67B6BF1E5F54DEA445CA5E35444F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_275E67B6BF1E5F54DEA445CA5E35444F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_9AD34219801C4A5855E745CA5E35F049" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_275E67B6BF1E5F54DEA445CA5E35444F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_6AB8E58F91EA2CE93D8745CA5E3539CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_275E67B6BF1E5F54DEA445CA5E35444F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_6AB8E58F91EA2CE93D8745CA5E3539CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaterialReconcilingItemsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaterialReconcilingItemsMember_8640E3C8B8C2F2EB3EDC45CA5E35BFAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_275E67B6BF1E5F54DEA445CA5E35444F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaterialReconcilingItemsMember_8640E3C8B8C2F2EB3EDC45CA5E35BFAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_711AD79A775691C59F4845CA5E357F5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_B76382B9044279302B0D45CA5E35CDDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_711AD79A775691C59F4845CA5E357F5F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_77B8ABE060122933E9F545CA5E353208_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_711AD79A775691C59F4845CA5E357F5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_77B8ABE060122933E9F545CA5E353208_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_77B8ABE060122933E9F545CA5E353208" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_711AD79A775691C59F4845CA5E357F5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_77B8ABE060122933E9F545CA5E353208" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_AnnuitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_AnnuitiesMember_0C987B50B54A17CEE36C45CA5E35F02E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_77B8ABE060122933E9F545CA5E353208" xlink:to="loc_bhl_AnnuitiesMember_0C987B50B54A17CEE36C45CA5E35F02E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_LifeMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_LifeMember_38BDF226E5A5D1780E9145CA5E35CAD0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_77B8ABE060122933E9F545CA5E353208" xlink:to="loc_bhl_LifeMember_38BDF226E5A5D1780E9145CA5E35CAD0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_RunoffMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_RunoffMember_FB060D9BDE019AF8911445CA5E35089B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_77B8ABE060122933E9F545CA5E353208" xlink:to="loc_bhl_RunoffMember_FB060D9BDE019AF8911445CA5E35089B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember_03456E7A832E5CA8054C45CA5E351C79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_77B8ABE060122933E9F545CA5E353208" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember_03456E7A832E5CA8054C45CA5E351C79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_74A4DAC80597EFE3AC1A45CA5E350449" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_87BAD78F768C1CC9624245CA5E351AC3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_74A4DAC80597EFE3AC1A45CA5E350449" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_33C964725F77483B7A3B45CA5E3552EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_87BAD78F768C1CC9624245CA5E351AC3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_33C964725F77483B7A3B45CA5E3552EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_84D84A0340B5BC343D4645CA5E3519E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_87BAD78F768C1CC9624245CA5E351AC3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_84D84A0340B5BC343D4645CA5E3519E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments_B6E9FB48026BA1CAA8D145CA5E450C7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_87BAD78F768C1CC9624245CA5E351AC3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments_B6E9FB48026BA1CAA8D145CA5E450C7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax_E7A81C538E85FD55F47245CA5E459026" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_87BAD78F768C1CC9624245CA5E351AC3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax_E7A81C538E85FD55F47245CA5E459026" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncome_3044A61C1CCEF5F56A3F45CA5E454663" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_87BAD78F768C1CC9624245CA5E351AC3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncome_3044A61C1CCEF5F56A3F45CA5E454663" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_6C76F1F54A012F168C8845CA5E4520EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_87BAD78F768C1CC9624245CA5E351AC3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_6C76F1F54A012F168C8845CA5E4520EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRevenueExpenseNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRevenueExpenseNet_411373607D0A092D47C045CA5E452470" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_87BAD78F768C1CC9624245CA5E351AC3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRevenueExpenseNet_411373607D0A092D47C045CA5E452470" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_DA0240B12C332AE8EB4F45CA5E45C770" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_87BAD78F768C1CC9624245CA5E351AC3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_DA0240B12C332AE8EB4F45CA5E45C770" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/SegmentInformationPremiumsUniversalLifeAndInvestmentTypePolicyFeesAndOtherRevenuesByMajorProductGroupsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_086227F2969B50A870DC2B722BE1521F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_F6062AA8D9344C13FCEE2B722BE1E5FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_086227F2969B50A870DC2B722BE1521F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_F6062AA8D9344C13FCEE2B722BE1E5FB" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_D59A9F8ADA6E6894BF952B722BE1FDB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_F6062AA8D9344C13FCEE2B722BE1E5FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_D59A9F8ADA6E6894BF952B722BE1FDB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_6780084C8E957933023B2B722BE1053E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_D59A9F8ADA6E6894BF952B722BE1FDB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_6780084C8E957933023B2B722BE1053E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_6780084C8E957933023B2B722BE1053E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_D59A9F8ADA6E6894BF952B722BE1FDB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_6780084C8E957933023B2B722BE1053E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsSegmentMember_6CCD4545E2D76EE2C3402B722BE13411" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_6780084C8E957933023B2B722BE1053E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsSegmentMember_6CCD4545E2D76EE2C3402B722BE13411" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LifeInsuranceSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LifeInsuranceSegmentMember_B4712CD13F85F502D6262B722BE1BDCA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_6780084C8E957933023B2B722BE1053E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LifeInsuranceSegmentMember_B4712CD13F85F502D6262B722BE1BDCA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccidentAndHealthInsuranceSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccidentAndHealthInsuranceSegmentMember_26FD6A5588A003FFAD382B722BE1BA76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_6780084C8E957933023B2B722BE1053E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccidentAndHealthInsuranceSegmentMember_26FD6A5588A003FFAD382B722BE1BA76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialServicesRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialServicesRevenue_755DF09CACA3965035CC2B722BE20671" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_086227F2969B50A870DC2B722BE1521F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialServicesRevenue_755DF09CACA3965035CC2B722BE20671" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/SegmentInformationSegmentInformationReconciliationOfOperatingRevenuesToTotalRevenuesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_DC224301CDEF1FD9537E2B722BE96863" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_0D3254D58DC5C580B9EC2B722BE86217" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_DC224301CDEF1FD9537E2B722BE96863" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_0D3254D58DC5C580B9EC2B722BE86217" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_9A623525255B373F30B52B722BE875D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_0D3254D58DC5C580B9EC2B722BE86217" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_9A623525255B373F30B52B722BE875D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_A09DA40D85923802AAD22B722BE85188_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_9A623525255B373F30B52B722BE875D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_A09DA40D85923802AAD22B722BE85188_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_A09DA40D85923802AAD22B722BE85188" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_9A623525255B373F30B52B722BE875D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_A09DA40D85923802AAD22B722BE85188" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_488CF033056440D016E52B722BE870C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_A09DA40D85923802AAD22B722BE85188" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_488CF033056440D016E52B722BE870C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaterialReconcilingItemsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaterialReconcilingItemsMember_C2BBC5A8528CF930E4572B722BE83E35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_A09DA40D85923802AAD22B722BE85188" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaterialReconcilingItemsMember_C2BBC5A8528CF930E4572B722BE83E35" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_DA02BF3DC0B8541AF1292B722BE8D747" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_0D3254D58DC5C580B9EC2B722BE86217" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_DA02BF3DC0B8541AF1292B722BE8D747" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_D51109A0F955D10635382B722BE8D1CE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_DA02BF3DC0B8541AF1292B722BE8D747" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_D51109A0F955D10635382B722BE8D1CE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_D51109A0F955D10635382B722BE8D1CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_DA02BF3DC0B8541AF1292B722BE8D747" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_D51109A0F955D10635382B722BE8D1CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_AnnuitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_AnnuitiesMember_8C0F10D8249E4B4D3A0D2B722BE8CB97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_D51109A0F955D10635382B722BE8D1CE" xlink:to="loc_bhl_AnnuitiesMember_8C0F10D8249E4B4D3A0D2B722BE8CB97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_LifeMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_LifeMember_9A2631D6E9BE0C680F102B722BE82A3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_D51109A0F955D10635382B722BE8D1CE" xlink:to="loc_bhl_LifeMember_9A2631D6E9BE0C680F102B722BE82A3E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bhl-20171231.xsd#bhl_RunoffMember" xlink:label="loc_bhl_RunoffMember_49AFA0502203509AE2922B722BE97084" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_D51109A0F955D10635382B722BE8D1CE" xlink:to="loc_bhl_RunoffMember_49AFA0502203509AE2922B722BE97084" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember_631140F4CBB8800149712B722BE9F008" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_D51109A0F955D10635382B722BE8D1CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember_631140F4CBB8800149712B722BE9F008" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_CE5CC71D944DB0EDAB522B722BE9E67C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_DC224301CDEF1FD9537E2B722BE96863" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_CE5CC71D944DB0EDAB522B722BE9E67C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.brighthousefinancial.com/role/SegmentInformationTables" xlink:type="extended" />
</link:linkbase>
