<?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.federalrealty.com/role/AcquiredInPlaceLeases" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#AcquiredInPlaceLeases" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/AcquiredInPlaceLeasesDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#AcquiredInPlaceLeasesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/AcquiredInPlaceLeasesTables" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#AcquiredInPlaceLeasesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/BusinessAndOrganization" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#BusinessAndOrganization" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/BusinessAndOrganizationDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#BusinessAndOrganizationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesScheduleOfLeasePaymentsDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesScheduleOfLeasePaymentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ComponentsOfRentalIncome" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#ComponentsOfRentalIncome" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ComponentsOfRentalIncomeAndExpenseComponentsOfRentalExpensesDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#ComponentsOfRentalIncomeAndExpenseComponentsOfRentalExpensesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ComponentsOfRentalIncomeAndExpenseScheduleOfMinimumRentDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#ComponentsOfRentalIncomeAndExpenseScheduleOfMinimumRentDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ComponentsOfRentalIncomeAndExpenseScheduleOfPrincipalComponentsOfRentalIncomeDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#ComponentsOfRentalIncomeAndExpenseScheduleOfPrincipalComponentsOfRentalIncomeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ComponentsOfRentalIncomeAndExpenseTables" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#ComponentsOfRentalIncomeAndExpenseTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParentheticals" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParentheticals" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementOfShareholdersEquity" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementOfShareholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementOfShareholdersEquityParenthetical" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementOfShareholdersEquityParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/Debt" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#Debt" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/DebtDebtRepaymentsMortgageLoansDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#DebtDebtRepaymentsMortgageLoansDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/DebtFutureMinimumLeasePaymentsDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#DebtFutureMinimumLeasePaymentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/DebtNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#DebtNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/DebtPrincipalPaymentsOnMortgagePayableNotesPayableSeniorNotesAndDebenturesDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#DebtPrincipalPaymentsOnMortgagePayableNotesPayableSeniorNotesAndDebenturesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/DebtSummaryOfDebtOutstandingDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#DebtSummaryOfDebtOutstandingDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/DebtTables" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#DebtTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/Dividends" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#Dividends" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/DividendsDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#DividendsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/DividendsTables" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#DividendsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformationDocument" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformationDocument" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/EarningsPerShareNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#EarningsPerShareNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/EarningsPerShareScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#EarningsPerShareScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstruments" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstruments" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsSummaryOfCarryingAmountAndFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsSummaryOfCarryingAmountAndFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsSummaryOfFinancialLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsSummaryOfFinancialLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/MortgageNotesReceivable" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#MortgageNotesReceivable" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/MortgageNotesReceivableDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#MortgageNotesReceivableDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/OperatingLeases" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#OperatingLeases" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/OperatingLeasesDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#OperatingLeasesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/OperatingLeasesTables" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#OperatingLeasesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/RealEstate" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#RealEstate" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/RealEstateAssetsHeldForSaleDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#RealEstateAssetsHeldForSaleDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/RealEstatePartnerships" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#RealEstatePartnerships" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/RealEstatePartnershipsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#RealEstatePartnershipsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/RealEstatePartnershipsSummarizedOperatingResultsAndFinancialPositionOfPartnershipDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#RealEstatePartnershipsSummarizedOperatingResultsAndFinancialPositionOfPartnershipDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/RealEstatePartnershipsTables" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#RealEstatePartnershipsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/RealEstateSignificantAcquisitionsAndDispositionsDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#RealEstateSignificantAcquisitionsAndDispositionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/RealEstateSummaryOfRealEstateInvestmentsDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#RealEstateSummaryOfRealEstateInvestmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/RealEstateTables" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#RealEstateTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SavingsAndRetirementPlans" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#SavingsAndRetirementPlans" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SavingsAndRetirementPlansDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#SavingsAndRetirementPlansDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ScheduleIiiPartIiSummaryOfRealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciation" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#ScheduleIiiPartIiSummaryOfRealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ScheduleIiiPartIiSummaryOfRealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#ScheduleIiiPartIiSummaryOfRealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ScheduleIiiSummaryOfRealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciation" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#ScheduleIiiSummaryOfRealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ScheduleIiiSummaryOfRealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#ScheduleIiiSummaryOfRealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ScheduleIvMortgageLoansOnRealEstate" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#ScheduleIvMortgageLoansOnRealEstate" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ScheduleIvMortgageLoansOnRealEstateDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#ScheduleIvMortgageLoansOnRealEstateDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SelectedQuarterlyFinancialDataUnaudited" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#SelectedQuarterlyFinancialDataUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SelectedQuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#SelectedQuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SelectedQuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedSummaryOfQuarterlyFinancialDataDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#SelectedQuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedSummaryOfQuarterlyFinancialDataDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SelectedQuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedTables" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#SelectedQuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationPlans" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#ShareBasedCompensationPlans" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationPlansAllocatedShareBasedCompensationDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#ShareBasedCompensationPlansAllocatedShareBasedCompensationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationPlansCommonSharesAwardedUnderVariousCompensationPlansDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#ShareBasedCompensationPlansCommonSharesAwardedUnderVariousCompensationPlansDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationPlansNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#ShareBasedCompensationPlansNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationPlansRestrictedShareActivityDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#ShareBasedCompensationPlansRestrictedShareActivityDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationPlansScheduleOfOptionActivityDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#ShareBasedCompensationPlansScheduleOfOptionActivityDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationPlansTables" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#ShareBasedCompensationPlansTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationPlansWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedToValueOptionGrantedIn2016Details" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#ShareBasedCompensationPlansWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedToValueOptionGrantedIn2016Details" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ShareholdersEquity" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#ShareholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ShareholdersEquityDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#ShareholdersEquityDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SubsequentEvent" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#SubsequentEvent" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SubsequentEventDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#SubsequentEventDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesCashAndCashEquivalentsDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesCashAndCashEquivalentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDerivativeInstrumentsAndMortgageNotesReceivableDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDerivativeInstrumentsAndMortgageNotesReceivableDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesIncomeTaxesAndSegmentsDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesIncomeTaxesAndSegmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicy" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicy" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRealEstateDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRealEstateDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRecentlyAdoptedAccountingPronouncementsDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRecentlyAdoptedAccountingPronouncementsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRecentlyIssuedAccountingPronouncementsDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRecentlyIssuedAccountingPronouncementsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRevenueRecognitionAndAccountsReceivableDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRevenueRecognitionAndAccountsReceivableDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesSupplementalCashFlowDisclosuresDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesSupplementalCashFlowDisclosuresDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesVariableInterestEntitiesDetails" xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesVariableInterestEntitiesDetails" 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.federalrealty.com/role/AcquiredInPlaceLeases" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/AcquiredInPlaceLeasesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_952287D3BFB0AC188033CD18D1E53772" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetByMajorClassTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetByMajorClassTable_2BAADFDAB84667D9EFF9CD18D1DF8E0F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_952287D3BFB0AC188033CD18D1E53772" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetByMajorClassTable_2BAADFDAB84667D9EFF9CD18D1DF8E0F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_937574754022584E8270CD18D1E47272" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetByMajorClassTable_2BAADFDAB84667D9EFF9CD18D1DF8E0F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_937574754022584E8270CD18D1E47272" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_ED2E09D49B1FEF20D7C6CD18D1E5ED96_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_937574754022584E8270CD18D1E47272" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_ED2E09D49B1FEF20D7C6CD18D1E5ED96_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_ED2E09D49B1FEF20D7C6CD18D1E5ED96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_937574754022584E8270CD18D1E47272" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_ED2E09D49B1FEF20D7C6CD18D1E5ED96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AboveMarketLeasesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AboveMarketLeasesMember_27C2400D37B0D1D506A3CD18D1E51FAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_ED2E09D49B1FEF20D7C6CD18D1E5ED96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AboveMarketLeasesMember_27C2400D37B0D1D506A3CD18D1E51FAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_BelowMarketLeaseMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_BelowMarketLeaseMember_DAC040ED3EAB82E75A9BCD18D1E5D30A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_ED2E09D49B1FEF20D7C6CD18D1E5ED96" xlink:to="loc_frt_BelowMarketLeaseMember_DAC040ED3EAB82E75A9BCD18D1E5D30A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles_8C2DC9F775C94737C15ECD18D1E5E777" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_952287D3BFB0AC188033CD18D1E53772" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles_8C2DC9F775C94737C15ECD18D1E5E777" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_66C5A4C1BBCAAC68B7AECD18D1E5278C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_952287D3BFB0AC188033CD18D1E53772" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_66C5A4C1BBCAAC68B7AECD18D1E5278C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseGross_A7353BF473215E3D884ECD18D1E59B16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_952287D3BFB0AC188033CD18D1E53772" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseGross_A7353BF473215E3D884ECD18D1E59B16" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAccumulatedAmortization_8A18ACF061989773A1F7CD18D1E5A683" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_952287D3BFB0AC188033CD18D1E53772" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAccumulatedAmortization_8A18ACF061989773A1F7CD18D1E5A683" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_DA102E2E679E6B07E3C9CD18D1E5FF51" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_952287D3BFB0AC188033CD18D1E53772" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_DA102E2E679E6B07E3C9CD18D1E5FF51" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfBelowMarketLease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfBelowMarketLease_E68C6C75F38FBF6C22D7CD18D1E564B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_952287D3BFB0AC188033CD18D1E53772" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfBelowMarketLease_E68C6C75F38FBF6C22D7CD18D1E564B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife_2DB063391FDAFBA70477CD18D1E56C04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_952287D3BFB0AC188033CD18D1E53772" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife_2DB063391FDAFBA70477CD18D1E56C04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_47F16CF65DD338D59F5ECD18D1EBF672" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_952287D3BFB0AC188033CD18D1E53772" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_47F16CF65DD338D59F5ECD18D1EBF672" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths_12E75B456198A88C7F4FCD18D1EBE02E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_47F16CF65DD338D59F5ECD18D1EBF672" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths_12E75B456198A88C7F4FCD18D1EBE02E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo_EB93E25FD7BEE5ED94E4CD18D1EBC5BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_47F16CF65DD338D59F5ECD18D1EBF672" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo_EB93E25FD7BEE5ED94E4CD18D1EBC5BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree_7DCE8B02B40F8F034BF1CD18D1EBEEDE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_47F16CF65DD338D59F5ECD18D1EBF672" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree_7DCE8B02B40F8F034BF1CD18D1EBEEDE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour_FD1F1AEAA16E5670CD95CD18D1EC8D01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_47F16CF65DD338D59F5ECD18D1EBF672" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour_FD1F1AEAA16E5670CD95CD18D1EC8D01" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive_227B25D7DB673831AA12CD18D1EC85DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_47F16CF65DD338D59F5ECD18D1EBF672" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive_227B25D7DB673831AA12CD18D1EC85DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseAfterYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseAfterYearFive_C98999D53A9D1F1FFA6BCD18D1ECCF8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_47F16CF65DD338D59F5ECD18D1EBF672" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseAfterYearFive_C98999D53A9D1F1FFA6BCD18D1ECCF8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_C66D491D6493FACAD864CD18D1EC6CA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_47F16CF65DD338D59F5ECD18D1EBF672" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_C66D491D6493FACAD864CD18D1EC6CA5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeMaturityScheduleAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeMaturityScheduleAbstract_03B7DFC2F34E80D5486DCD18D1EC954B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_952287D3BFB0AC188033CD18D1E53772" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeMaturityScheduleAbstract_03B7DFC2F34E80D5486DCD18D1EC954B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeNextTwelveMonths_CE677BA2A68ABF5B5E0FCD18D1EC6C10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeMaturityScheduleAbstract_03B7DFC2F34E80D5486DCD18D1EC954B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeNextTwelveMonths_CE677BA2A68ABF5B5E0FCD18D1EC6C10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeYearTwo" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeYearTwo_8C8D115E6858E3B761B6CD18D1ECA994" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeMaturityScheduleAbstract_03B7DFC2F34E80D5486DCD18D1EC954B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeYearTwo_8C8D115E6858E3B761B6CD18D1ECA994" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeYearThree" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeYearThree_355630BDB8E029EBC4BCCD18D1EC517E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeMaturityScheduleAbstract_03B7DFC2F34E80D5486DCD18D1EC954B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeYearThree_355630BDB8E029EBC4BCCD18D1EC517E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeYearFour" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeYearFour_5324297F49BC8B090D55CD18D1EC06D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeMaturityScheduleAbstract_03B7DFC2F34E80D5486DCD18D1EC954B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeYearFour_5324297F49BC8B090D55CD18D1EC06D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeYearFive_25B03C318DBA277D5555CD18D1EC5688" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeMaturityScheduleAbstract_03B7DFC2F34E80D5486DCD18D1EC954B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeYearFive_25B03C318DBA277D5555CD18D1EC5688" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeAfterYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeAfterYearFive_30019108E0CD33C2769ECD18D1ECA60A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeMaturityScheduleAbstract_03B7DFC2F34E80D5486DCD18D1EC954B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeAfterYearFive_30019108E0CD33C2769ECD18D1ECA60A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseNet_80B3B2A5875BAFAB3BE2CD18D1F2E481" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeMaturityScheduleAbstract_03B7DFC2F34E80D5486DCD18D1EC954B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseNet_80B3B2A5875BAFAB3BE2CD18D1F2E481" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/AcquiredInPlaceLeasesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/BusinessAndOrganization" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/BusinessAndOrganizationDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_1E51AFD532E4CEEE283726314FDB5F86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_40CAE662F8DAAB8A865B26314FD354A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_1E51AFD532E4CEEE283726314FDB5F86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_40CAE662F8DAAB8A865B26314FD354A9" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_DD33098B1B042787D64C26314FD38669" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_40CAE662F8DAAB8A865B26314FD354A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_DD33098B1B042787D64C26314FD38669" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_DF59DFC98371DA35171C26314FD3609A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_DD33098B1B042787D64C26314FD38669" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_DF59DFC98371DA35171C26314FD3609A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_DF59DFC98371DA35171C26314FD3609A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_DD33098B1B042787D64C26314FD38669" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_DF59DFC98371DA35171C26314FD3609A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_SantanaRowMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_SantanaRowMember_8617BE639B1D43E3EC3826314FD4DAB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_DF59DFC98371DA35171C26314FD3609A" xlink:to="loc_frt_SantanaRowMember_8617BE639B1D43E3EC3826314FD4DAB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_787E6A03C50B41EA6E3426314FD4E1A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_40CAE662F8DAAB8A865B26314FD354A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_787E6A03C50B41EA6E3426314FD4E1A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_2EDD1A150668185E364C26314FD41F8A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_787E6A03C50B41EA6E3426314FD4E1A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_2EDD1A150668185E364C26314FD41F8A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_2EDD1A150668185E364C26314FD41F8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_787E6A03C50B41EA6E3426314FD4E1A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_2EDD1A150668185E364C26314FD41F8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_GainonsaleofrealestateMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_GainonsaleofrealestateMember_0EFB7EF0F011C7689AE626314FD46E0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_2EDD1A150668185E364C26314FD41F8A" xlink:to="loc_frt_GainonsaleofrealestateMember_0EFB7EF0F011C7689AE626314FD46E0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_A41C4FA1DC8F0D1F2B6E26314FD4347B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_40CAE662F8DAAB8A865B26314FD354A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_A41C4FA1DC8F0D1F2B6E26314FD4347B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_380CD5A77B7C5D9C17B426314FD48F26_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_A41C4FA1DC8F0D1F2B6E26314FD4347B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_380CD5A77B7C5D9C17B426314FD48F26_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_380CD5A77B7C5D9C17B426314FD48F26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_A41C4FA1DC8F0D1F2B6E26314FD4347B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_380CD5A77B7C5D9C17B426314FD48F26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_MemberOneInPlazaElSegundoMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_MemberOneInPlazaElSegundoMember_756D34DD690B287D888B26314FD410DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_380CD5A77B7C5D9C17B426314FD48F26" xlink:to="loc_frt_MemberOneInPlazaElSegundoMember_756D34DD690B287D888B26314FD410DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_MemberTwoInPlazaElSegundoMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_MemberTwoInPlazaElSegundoMember_E9525154DA51874F3BD526314FD4B3CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_380CD5A77B7C5D9C17B426314FD48F26" xlink:to="loc_frt_MemberTwoInPlazaElSegundoMember_E9525154DA51874F3BD526314FD4B3CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_ContractualObligationAxis" xlink:label="loc_frt_ContractualObligationAxis_1AB3B46D53D1BD57504726314FD4F872" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_40CAE662F8DAAB8A865B26314FD354A9" xlink:to="loc_frt_ContractualObligationAxis_1AB3B46D53D1BD57504726314FD4F872" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_ContractualObligationDomain" xlink:label="loc_frt_ContractualObligationDomain_BC0FD3F0BC7FE487748426314FD49EF9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_frt_ContractualObligationAxis_1AB3B46D53D1BD57504726314FD4F872" xlink:to="loc_frt_ContractualObligationDomain_BC0FD3F0BC7FE487748426314FD49EF9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_ContractualObligationDomain" xlink:label="loc_frt_ContractualObligationDomain_BC0FD3F0BC7FE487748426314FD49EF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_frt_ContractualObligationAxis_1AB3B46D53D1BD57504726314FD4F872" xlink:to="loc_frt_ContractualObligationDomain_BC0FD3F0BC7FE487748426314FD49EF9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_CapitalImprovementDevelopmentAndRedevelopmentProjectsMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_CapitalImprovementDevelopmentAndRedevelopmentProjectsMember_C36D06C675E504C750B826314FD459FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_frt_ContractualObligationDomain_BC0FD3F0BC7FE487748426314FD49EF9" xlink:to="loc_frt_CapitalImprovementDevelopmentAndRedevelopmentProjectsMember_C36D06C675E504C750B826314FD459FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_735B8D70682C29F0333C26314FD40C2B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_40CAE662F8DAAB8A865B26314FD354A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_735B8D70682C29F0333C26314FD40C2B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_55DDB98311128316EBF326314FD4E3D8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_735B8D70682C29F0333C26314FD40C2B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_55DDB98311128316EBF326314FD4E3D8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_55DDB98311128316EBF326314FD4E3D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_735B8D70682C29F0333C26314FD40C2B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_55DDB98311128316EBF326314FD4E3D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember_E389C4539E786390924426314FD5C17D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_55DDB98311128316EBF326314FD4E3D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember_E389C4539E786390924426314FD5C17D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_C08C4E43B5CCDB92A7EF26314FD5EEBA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_40CAE662F8DAAB8A865B26314FD354A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_C08C4E43B5CCDB92A7EF26314FD5EEBA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_FDA115798910602336E026314FD5B8D0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_C08C4E43B5CCDB92A7EF26314FD5EEBA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_FDA115798910602336E026314FD5B8D0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_FDA115798910602336E026314FD5B8D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_C08C4E43B5CCDB92A7EF26314FD5EEBA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_FDA115798910602336E026314FD5B8D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_MelvilleMallMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_MelvilleMallMember_663C151B20C7F777959126314FD56753" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_FDA115798910602336E026314FD5B8D0" xlink:to="loc_frt_MelvilleMallMember_663C151B20C7F777959126314FD56753" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis_02404FF6CAF78DBFD8FF26314FD53B01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_40CAE662F8DAAB8A865B26314FD354A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis_02404FF6CAF78DBFD8FF26314FD53B01" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_B24347E5AE2A4EFBD9EA26314FD5217E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis_02404FF6CAF78DBFD8FF26314FD53B01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_B24347E5AE2A4EFBD9EA26314FD5217E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_B24347E5AE2A4EFBD9EA26314FD5217E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis_02404FF6CAF78DBFD8FF26314FD53B01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_B24347E5AE2A4EFBD9EA26314FD5217E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_MercerMallMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_MercerMallMember_5D67D2DDDC5CC544E40026314FD5FBEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_B24347E5AE2A4EFBD9EA26314FD5217E" xlink:to="loc_frt_MercerMallMember_5D67D2DDDC5CC544E40026314FD5FBEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_CongressionalPlazaMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_CongressionalPlazaMember_C306465B3F60FDE2417826314FD51043" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_B24347E5AE2A4EFBD9EA26314FD5217E" xlink:to="loc_frt_CongressionalPlazaMember_C306465B3F60FDE2417826314FD51043" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_MelvilleMallMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_MelvilleMallMember_F97D99CDD0124FAE464526314FD543F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_B24347E5AE2A4EFBD9EA26314FD5217E" xlink:to="loc_frt_MelvilleMallMember_F97D99CDD0124FAE464526314FD543F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_MontroseCrossingMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_MontroseCrossingMember_DCE2C13078ADEDAD323526314FD57295" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_B24347E5AE2A4EFBD9EA26314FD5217E" xlink:to="loc_frt_MontroseCrossingMember_DCE2C13078ADEDAD323526314FD57295" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_PlazaElSegundoMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_PlazaElSegundoMember_CAA6CBBF33EED5B7C4CB26314FD59994" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_B24347E5AE2A4EFBD9EA26314FD5217E" xlink:to="loc_frt_PlazaElSegundoMember_CAA6CBBF33EED5B7C4CB26314FD59994" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_TheGroveatShrewsburyMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_TheGroveatShrewsburyMember_07943C7254A4D29FD3FC26314FDBB8BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_B24347E5AE2A4EFBD9EA26314FD5217E" xlink:to="loc_frt_TheGroveatShrewsburyMember_07943C7254A4D29FD3FC26314FDBB8BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_Brook35Member" xlink:label="loc_frt_Brook35Member_6B9F16443467F07CC48B26314FDBBA01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_B24347E5AE2A4EFBD9EA26314FD5217E" xlink:to="loc_frt_Brook35Member_6B9F16443467F07CC48B26314FDBBA01" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_GroveAtShrewsburyAndBrook35Member" xlink:label="loc_frt_GroveAtShrewsburyAndBrook35Member_F0226423046D56B4DEC326314FDB26BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_B24347E5AE2A4EFBD9EA26314FD5217E" xlink:to="loc_frt_GroveAtShrewsburyAndBrook35Member_F0226423046D56B4DEC326314FDB26BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_GalaxyHollywoodMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_GalaxyHollywoodMember_80C2EE2E447554EC14BE26314FD354F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_B24347E5AE2A4EFBD9EA26314FD5217E" xlink:to="loc_frt_GalaxyHollywoodMember_80C2EE2E447554EC14BE26314FD354F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_OptionByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_frt_OptionByTypeAxis_6827B78C9945F72EA42726314FDBD2FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_40CAE662F8DAAB8A865B26314FD354A9" xlink:to="loc_frt_OptionByTypeAxis_6827B78C9945F72EA42726314FDBD2FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_OptionByTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_frt_OptionByTypeDomain_17686FF38A693408C48626314FDB7114_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_frt_OptionByTypeAxis_6827B78C9945F72EA42726314FDBD2FC" xlink:to="loc_frt_OptionByTypeDomain_17686FF38A693408C48626314FDB7114_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_OptionByTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_frt_OptionByTypeDomain_17686FF38A693408C48626314FDB7114" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_frt_OptionByTypeAxis_6827B78C9945F72EA42726314FDBD2FC" xlink:to="loc_frt_OptionByTypeDomain_17686FF38A693408C48626314FDB7114" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PutOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PutOptionMember_63F836F277A0AF29473A26314FDBFD4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_frt_OptionByTypeDomain_17686FF38A693408C48626314FDB7114" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PutOptionMember_63F836F277A0AF29473A26314FDBFD4C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_64DD579AEB57D6FC724926314FDB44F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_40CAE662F8DAAB8A865B26314FD354A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_64DD579AEB57D6FC724926314FDB44F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_2C9B67795A5EB3CB7ED826314FDBB57C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_64DD579AEB57D6FC724926314FDB44F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_2C9B67795A5EB3CB7ED826314FDBB57C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_2C9B67795A5EB3CB7ED826314FDBB57C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_64DD579AEB57D6FC724926314FDB44F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_2C9B67795A5EB3CB7ED826314FDBB57C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_EA5E816D7E522D05B59226314FDBAFE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_2C9B67795A5EB3CB7ED826314FDBB57C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_EA5E816D7E522D05B59226314FDBAFE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_4F77B999FCF9166B168C26314FDB0087" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_2C9B67795A5EB3CB7ED826314FDBB57C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_4F77B999FCF9166B168C26314FDB0087" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmount_7C918A8E9BFC875E79F126314FDBF990" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_1E51AFD532E4CEEE283726314FDB5F86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmount_7C918A8E9BFC875E79F126314FDBF990" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNumberOfDefendants" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNumberOfDefendants_B1872F3E949A2837318B26314FDC94D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_1E51AFD532E4CEEE283726314FDB5F86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNumberOfDefendants_B1872F3E949A2837318B26314FDC94D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationReserve" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationReserve_8C65E1AAC76DC62ACD0D26314FDC5D60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_1E51AFD532E4CEEE283726314FDB5F86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationReserve_8C65E1AAC76DC62ACD0D26314FDC5D60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductWarrantyAccrualPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductWarrantyAccrualPeriodIncreaseDecrease_6F265ED01827726D210F2643B57F20A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_1E51AFD532E4CEEE283726314FDB5F86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductWarrantyAccrualPeriodIncreaseDecrease_6F265ED01827726D210F2643B57F20A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductWarrantyAccrual" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductWarrantyAccrual_D74B2EAF43A67BC4E64F26314FDCD5C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_1E51AFD532E4CEEE283726314FDB5F86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductWarrantyAccrual_D74B2EAF43A67BC4E64F26314FDCD5C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductWarrantyAccrualPayments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductWarrantyAccrualPayments_4481AB340BBE6350923C26314FDCA48F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_1E51AFD532E4CEEE283726314FDB5F86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductWarrantyAccrualPayments_4481AB340BBE6350923C26314FDCA48F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_8AF749E9FF68F840340C26314FDCD37C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_1E51AFD532E4CEEE283726314FDB5F86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_8AF749E9FF68F840340C26314FDCD37C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractualObligation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractualObligation_BBE966C1499E9459319426314FDC508D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_1E51AFD532E4CEEE283726314FDB5F86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractualObligation_BBE966C1499E9459319426314FDC508D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_PurchasePriceUnderOption" xlink:label="loc_frt_PurchasePriceUnderOption_DA8589935F6C9548524526314FDCC002" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_1E51AFD532E4CEEE283726314FDB5F86" xlink:to="loc_frt_PurchasePriceUnderOption_DA8589935F6C9548524526314FDCC002" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityPercentageOfIndexedOwnershipInterest" xlink:label="loc_frt_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityPercentageOfIndexedOwnershipInterest_B469D3F343FFC058820D26314FDC4A32" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_1E51AFD532E4CEEE283726314FDB5F86" xlink:to="loc_frt_OptionIndexedToIssuersEquityPercentageOfIndexedOwnershipInterest_B469D3F343FFC058820D26314FDC4A32" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_OwnershipInterestOfOtherPartnerInPutOption" xlink:label="loc_frt_OwnershipInterestOfOtherPartnerInPutOption_714A9929371B729E158D26314FDC5EE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_1E51AFD532E4CEEE283726314FDB5F86" xlink:to="loc_frt_OwnershipInterestOfOtherPartnerInPutOption_714A9929371B729E158D26314FDC5EE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_EstimatedLiabilityUponExerciseOfOption" xlink:label="loc_frt_EstimatedLiabilityUponExerciseOfOption_C22587BF68B997ED5B2426314FDCE54F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_1E51AFD532E4CEEE283726314FDB5F86" xlink:to="loc_frt_EstimatedLiabilityUponExerciseOfOption_C22587BF68B997ED5B2426314FDCE54F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_NumberOfMembersWithPurchaseOptions" xlink:label="loc_frt_NumberOfMembersWithPurchaseOptions_A7553915D7AF3444CECB26314FDC0B78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_1E51AFD532E4CEEE283726314FDB5F86" xlink:to="loc_frt_NumberOfMembersWithPurchaseOptions_A7553915D7AF3444CECB26314FDC0B78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountUnits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountUnits_DD10502C1795CDF1F04B26314FDDF52F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_1E51AFD532E4CEEE283726314FDB5F86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountUnits_DD10502C1795CDF1F04B26314FDDF52F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_OperatingPartnershipUnitsFairValue" xlink:label="loc_frt_OperatingPartnershipUnitsFairValue_A15E63A6D4E1ADB0B92B26314FDD8B5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_1E51AFD532E4CEEE283726314FDB5F86" xlink:to="loc_frt_OperatingPartnershipUnitsFairValue_A15E63A6D4E1ADB0B92B26314FDD8B5C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_Percentageofnoncontrollinginterestacquired" xlink:label="loc_frt_Percentageofnoncontrollinginterestacquired_CC0A6CD20E643C8CA9F726314FDDBDEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_1E51AFD532E4CEEE283726314FDB5F86" xlink:to="loc_frt_Percentageofnoncontrollinginterestacquired_CC0A6CD20E643C8CA9F726314FDDBDEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest_4811E4BBA9A0F2DA0F3326314FDD346C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_1E51AFD532E4CEEE283726314FDB5F86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest_4811E4BBA9A0F2DA0F3326314FDD346C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_Ownershipinterest" xlink:label="loc_frt_Ownershipinterest_743E953F159F33B9E3B026314FDD23B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_1E51AFD532E4CEEE283726314FDB5F86" xlink:to="loc_frt_Ownershipinterest_743E953F159F33B9E3B026314FDD23B4" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesScheduleOfLeasePaymentsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ComponentsOfRentalIncome" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ComponentsOfRentalIncomeAndExpenseComponentsOfRentalExpensesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ComponentsOfRentalIncomeAndExpenseScheduleOfMinimumRentDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ComponentsOfRentalIncomeAndExpenseScheduleOfPrincipalComponentsOfRentalIncomeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_8400B9377A23DED00168D15D7D0E7851" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_46D9048634B73459AF3CD15D7D0E6D69" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_8400B9377A23DED00168D15D7D0E7851" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_46D9048634B73459AF3CD15D7D0E6D69" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_9CABC385010BF3C389BDD15D7D0E8942" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_46D9048634B73459AF3CD15D7D0E6D69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_9CABC385010BF3C389BDD15D7D0E8942" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_EE5FB2E1B76A23075A98D15D7D0E375B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_9CABC385010BF3C389BDD15D7D0E8942" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_EE5FB2E1B76A23075A98D15D7D0E375B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_EE5FB2E1B76A23075A98D15D7D0E375B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_9CABC385010BF3C389BDD15D7D0E8942" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_EE5FB2E1B76A23075A98D15D7D0E375B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember_D0569A9EB7903895C287D15D7D0EAF94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_EE5FB2E1B76A23075A98D15D7D0E375B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember_D0569A9EB7903895C287D15D7D0EAF94" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember_B1DCDE046E94F26D79E7D15D7D0E62D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_EE5FB2E1B76A23075A98D15D7D0E375B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember_B1DCDE046E94F26D79E7D15D7D0E62D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementLeaseRevenueAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementLeaseRevenueAbstract_DAC67481897EBA7A3002D15D7D18E155" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_8400B9377A23DED00168D15D7D0E7851" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementLeaseRevenueAbstract_DAC67481897EBA7A3002D15D7D18E155" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementMinimumLeaseRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementMinimumLeaseRevenue_C0E333F395F555624F60D15D7D183340" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementLeaseRevenueAbstract_DAC67481897EBA7A3002D15D7D18E155" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementMinimumLeaseRevenue_C0E333F395F555624F60D15D7D183340" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TenantReimbursements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TenantReimbursements_2B9608209CB861BFA2A3D15D7D18E20B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementLeaseRevenueAbstract_DAC67481897EBA7A3002D15D7D18E155" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TenantReimbursements_2B9608209CB861BFA2A3D15D7D18E20B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PercentageRent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PercentageRent_3E61D7B2201B2985419CD15D7D18A27C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementLeaseRevenueAbstract_DAC67481897EBA7A3002D15D7D18E155" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PercentageRent_3E61D7B2201B2985419CD15D7D18A27C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_OtherRentalIncome" xlink:label="loc_frt_OtherRentalIncome_C2F53653F12BE2D7E726D15D7D18B399" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementLeaseRevenueAbstract_DAC67481897EBA7A3002D15D7D18E155" xlink:to="loc_frt_OtherRentalIncome_C2F53653F12BE2D7E726D15D7D18B399" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementLeaseRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementLeaseRevenue_E387350348CE6D0D7A98D181DE2315F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementLeaseRevenueAbstract_DAC67481897EBA7A3002D15D7D18E155" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementLeaseRevenue_E387350348CE6D0D7A98D181DE2315F6" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ComponentsOfRentalIncomeAndExpenseTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParentheticals" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementOfShareholdersEquity" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_85065B66AA7AE788A35937EE59CB9DA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_0D719E8ACCA835DC2CEE37EE59C804B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_85065B66AA7AE788A35937EE59CB9DA3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_0D719E8ACCA835DC2CEE37EE59C804B6" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_AFD6E878B5479E3CF3BD37EE59C9A964" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_0D719E8ACCA835DC2CEE37EE59C804B6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_AFD6E878B5479E3CF3BD37EE59C9A964" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2B46E098F8DEBCA92BB637EE59C96288_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_AFD6E878B5479E3CF3BD37EE59C9A964" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2B46E098F8DEBCA92BB637EE59C96288_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2B46E098F8DEBCA92BB637EE59C96288" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_AFD6E878B5479E3CF3BD37EE59C9A964" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2B46E098F8DEBCA92BB637EE59C96288" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_949F6E94E4D68255879837EE59C97CFF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2B46E098F8DEBCA92BB637EE59C96288" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_949F6E94E4D68255879837EE59C97CFF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_C8781BBAB7DF5ED5BDBE37EE59CBE123" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2B46E098F8DEBCA92BB637EE59C96288" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_C8781BBAB7DF5ED5BDBE37EE59CBE123" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_2E3C46E13BA1F649F33837EE59CB628B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2B46E098F8DEBCA92BB637EE59C96288" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_2E3C46E13BA1F649F33837EE59CB628B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDistributionsInExcessOfNetIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDistributionsInExcessOfNetIncomeMember_0067E10CAD189E95550E37EE59CB5BEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2B46E098F8DEBCA92BB637EE59C96288" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDistributionsInExcessOfNetIncomeMember_0067E10CAD189E95550E37EE59CB5BEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_6512B66AE693FFBF8C3B37EE59CB59E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2B46E098F8DEBCA92BB637EE59C96288" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_6512B66AE693FFBF8C3B37EE59CB59E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_1B55FB349359E6E91A2A37EE59CBDB17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2B46E098F8DEBCA92BB637EE59C96288" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_1B55FB349359E6E91A2A37EE59CBDB17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9055D4DBF1B1A6C88FA737EE59CB1F18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_85065B66AA7AE788A35937EE59CB9DA3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9055D4DBF1B1A6C88FA737EE59CB1F18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_E6D0B864FBE042114BB937EE59CB603A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9055D4DBF1B1A6C88FA737EE59CB1F18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_E6D0B864FBE042114BB937EE59CB603A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_6A611B27891AB524EF1A37EE59CB6CF3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9055D4DBF1B1A6C88FA737EE59CB1F18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_6A611B27891AB524EF1A37EE59CB6CF3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_ProfitLossExcludingRedeemableNoncontrollingInterests" xlink:label="loc_frt_ProfitLossExcludingRedeemableNoncontrollingInterests_38EED6074FD44AEBD9DA37EE59CCB45F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9055D4DBF1B1A6C88FA737EE59CB1F18" xlink:to="loc_frt_ProfitLossExcludingRedeemableNoncontrollingInterests_38EED6074FD44AEBD9DA37EE59CCB45F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_40127325C9813A5A568F37EE59CC4436" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9055D4DBF1B1A6C88FA737EE59CB1F18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_40127325C9813A5A568F37EE59CC4436" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash_6FA20AE92728E11DCDB537EE59CCDB97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9055D4DBF1B1A6C88FA737EE59CB1F18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash_6FA20AE92728E11DCDB537EE59CCDB97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash_5A000C0561437828C32C37EE59CCB399" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9055D4DBF1B1A6C88FA737EE59CB1F18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash_5A000C0561437828C32C37EE59CCB399" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders_1CB151723C080472D84437EE59CC3252" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9055D4DBF1B1A6C88FA737EE59CB1F18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders_1CB151723C080472D84437EE59CC3252" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_28DE0E1F8CC8ECD1ABC337EE59CC9EAC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9055D4DBF1B1A6C88FA737EE59CB1F18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_28DE0E1F8CC8ECD1ABC337EE59CC9EAC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_526FC9598D08F2606E6537EE59CC70B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9055D4DBF1B1A6C88FA737EE59CB1F18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_526FC9598D08F2606E6537EE59CC70B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_37BD6EFB9FB628B0F3C237EE59CC47DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9055D4DBF1B1A6C88FA737EE59CB1F18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_37BD6EFB9FB628B0F3C237EE59CC47DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_5EB255374355B28C854137EE59CCE69A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9055D4DBF1B1A6C88FA737EE59CB1F18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_5EB255374355B28C854137EE59CCE69A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesDividendReinvestmentPlan" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesDividendReinvestmentPlan_3EA46E69DF311163725337EE59CC6284" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9055D4DBF1B1A6C88FA737EE59CB1F18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesDividendReinvestmentPlan_3EA46E69DF311163725337EE59CC6284" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDividendReinvestmentPlan" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDividendReinvestmentPlan_F7F6716E470873E9D65B37EE59CC9D04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9055D4DBF1B1A6C88FA737EE59CB1F18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueDividendReinvestmentPlan_F7F6716E470873E9D65B37EE59CC9D04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_ShareBasedCompensationExpenseNetShares" xlink:label="loc_frt_ShareBasedCompensationExpenseNetShares_64ECD96BCCFC8D5E27D537EE59CCF27D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9055D4DBF1B1A6C88FA737EE59CB1F18" xlink:to="loc_frt_ShareBasedCompensationExpenseNetShares_64ECD96BCCFC8D5E27D537EE59CCF27D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_ShareBasedCompensationExpenseNetValue" xlink:label="loc_frt_ShareBasedCompensationExpenseNetValue_1C36E8E12D8EB5FA7DA437EE59CDB312" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9055D4DBF1B1A6C88FA737EE59CB1F18" xlink:to="loc_frt_ShareBasedCompensationExpenseNetValue_1C36E8E12D8EB5FA7DA437EE59CDB312" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_D6E74CBF8DE6809EA0E737EE59CDEA6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9055D4DBF1B1A6C88FA737EE59CB1F18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_D6E74CBF8DE6809EA0E737EE59CDEA6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_C144EB71411C40E08A7737EE65A9F30C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9055D4DBF1B1A6C88FA737EE59CB1F18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_C144EB71411C40E08A7737EE65A9F30C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_Shareswithheldforemployeetaxesnetvalue" xlink:label="loc_frt_Shareswithheldforemployeetaxesnetvalue_06D40F4E9EC92490F4AE37EE59CD8A3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9055D4DBF1B1A6C88FA737EE59CB1F18" xlink:to="loc_frt_Shareswithheldforemployeetaxesnetvalue_06D40F4E9EC92490F4AE37EE59CD8A3E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_ConversionAndRedemptionOfOperatingPartnershipUnitsInShares" xlink:label="loc_frt_ConversionAndRedemptionOfOperatingPartnershipUnitsInShares_74960640F248427AF6CE37EE59CDBFB7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9055D4DBF1B1A6C88FA737EE59CB1F18" xlink:to="loc_frt_ConversionAndRedemptionOfOperatingPartnershipUnitsInShares_74960640F248427AF6CE37EE59CDBFB7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_ConversionAndRedemptionOfOperatingPartnershipUnits" xlink:label="loc_frt_ConversionAndRedemptionOfOperatingPartnershipUnits_C86B0670DCECF85E9D3737EE59CD0097" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9055D4DBF1B1A6C88FA737EE59CB1F18" xlink:to="loc_frt_ConversionAndRedemptionOfOperatingPartnershipUnits_C86B0670DCECF85E9D3737EE59CD0097" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination_743B85AF24F99FB7C60F37EE59CD0071" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9055D4DBF1B1A6C88FA737EE59CB1F18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination_743B85AF24F99FB7C60F37EE59CD0071" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther_F00D4165EDCEA3FD0F7437EE59CD9DEE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9055D4DBF1B1A6C88FA737EE59CB1F18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther_F00D4165EDCEA3FD0F7437EE59CD9DEE" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementOfShareholdersEquityParenthetical" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/Debt" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/DebtDebtRepaymentsMortgageLoansDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_5F7849E3F83F2DE9D7BD262534F1D40C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_7F94E4AEA1DE9C325EA2262534F0D43D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_5F7849E3F83F2DE9D7BD262534F1D40C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_7F94E4AEA1DE9C325EA2262534F0D43D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_41F2D795A19DB9AA120E262534F0D9C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_7F94E4AEA1DE9C325EA2262534F0D43D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_41F2D795A19DB9AA120E262534F0D9C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_773F3FEE8A2A4056875C262534F01198_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_41F2D795A19DB9AA120E262534F0D9C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_773F3FEE8A2A4056875C262534F01198_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_773F3FEE8A2A4056875C262534F01198" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_41F2D795A19DB9AA120E262534F0D9C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_773F3FEE8A2A4056875C262534F01198" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgagesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgagesMember_0492B12775C61E47F669262534F0EBA8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_773F3FEE8A2A4056875C262534F01198" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgagesMember_0492B12775C61E47F669262534F0EBA8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_6F71E3FB7D13E2778C19262534F0F69B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_7F94E4AEA1DE9C325EA2262534F0D43D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_6F71E3FB7D13E2778C19262534F0F69B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_331F3BE4858DDA75D5FD262534F01B34_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_6F71E3FB7D13E2778C19262534F0F69B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_331F3BE4858DDA75D5FD262534F01B34_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_331F3BE4858DDA75D5FD262534F01B34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_6F71E3FB7D13E2778C19262534F0F69B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_331F3BE4858DDA75D5FD262534F01B34" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_BarracksRoadMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_BarracksRoadMember_A2C1605E743E904C1753262534F114FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_331F3BE4858DDA75D5FD262534F01B34" xlink:to="loc_frt_BarracksRoadMember_A2C1605E743E904C1753262534F114FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_BrickPlazaMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_BrickPlazaMember_C533B6EF26D126FB18CE262534F16695" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_331F3BE4858DDA75D5FD262534F01B34" xlink:to="loc_frt_BrickPlazaMember_C533B6EF26D126FB18CE262534F16695" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_WynnewoodMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_WynnewoodMember_2B2263D6E070798BD95E262534F1DAD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_331F3BE4858DDA75D5FD262534F01B34" xlink:to="loc_frt_WynnewoodMember_2B2263D6E070798BD95E262534F1DAD8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_LawrenceParkMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_LawrenceParkMember_AE304AA0C0469C638E41262534F12907" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_331F3BE4858DDA75D5FD262534F01B34" xlink:to="loc_frt_LawrenceParkMember_AE304AA0C0469C638E41262534F12907" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_WildwoodMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_WildwoodMember_81001AB080310A4C13B4262534F1660B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_331F3BE4858DDA75D5FD262534F01B34" xlink:to="loc_frt_WildwoodMember_81001AB080310A4C13B4262534F1660B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_HauppaugeMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_HauppaugeMember_C079D56442627D20487A262534F10D96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_331F3BE4858DDA75D5FD262534F01B34" xlink:to="loc_frt_HauppaugeMember_C079D56442627D20487A262534F10D96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_F94072F302F36E434EB8262534F16EC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_7F94E4AEA1DE9C325EA2262534F0D43D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_F94072F302F36E434EB8262534F16EC5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_9E3ACC22C0406F76429C262534F1CA28_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_F94072F302F36E434EB8262534F16EC5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_9E3ACC22C0406F76429C262534F1CA28_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_9E3ACC22C0406F76429C262534F1CA28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_F94072F302F36E434EB8262534F16EC5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_9E3ACC22C0406F76429C262534F1CA28" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgagesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgagesMember_FCC8BCA12760C6A783B5262534F12CE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_9E3ACC22C0406F76429C262534F1CA28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgagesMember_FCC8BCA12760C6A783B5262534F12CE0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_B93062320AC53AF06D2F262534F1C116" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_5F7849E3F83F2DE9D7BD262534F1D40C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_B93062320AC53AF06D2F262534F1C116" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/DebtFutureMinimumLeasePaymentsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/DebtNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_8B7675B9D0369B8C50FC262538329B70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_4F8C73CAB637BADF2480262538311A3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_8B7675B9D0369B8C50FC262538329B70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_4F8C73CAB637BADF2480262538311A3D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_876F025FD7C4090781D6262538315BED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_4F8C73CAB637BADF2480262538311A3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_876F025FD7C4090781D6262538315BED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_78E6E360D7E58266B4D5262538319791_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_876F025FD7C4090781D6262538315BED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_78E6E360D7E58266B4D5262538319791_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_78E6E360D7E58266B4D5262538319791" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_876F025FD7C4090781D6262538315BED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_78E6E360D7E58266B4D5262538319791" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_ClarionMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_ClarionMember_25FCD3E9691036C1A838262538317F6C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_78E6E360D7E58266B4D5262538319791" xlink:to="loc_frt_ClarionMember_25FCD3E9691036C1A838262538317F6C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_FA9D264C10D86EC9D743262538316F4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_4F8C73CAB637BADF2480262538311A3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_FA9D264C10D86EC9D743262538316F4E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7FF33B4063A60E3C5BFC262538313101_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_FA9D264C10D86EC9D743262538316F4E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7FF33B4063A60E3C5BFC262538313101_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7FF33B4063A60E3C5BFC262538313101" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_FA9D264C10D86EC9D743262538316F4E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7FF33B4063A60E3C5BFC262538313101" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_21FFD6F9C7F2EDD2A6E1262538328A8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7FF33B4063A60E3C5BFC262538313101" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_21FFD6F9C7F2EDD2A6E1262538328A8E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_A3.625SeniornotesMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_A3.625SeniornotesMember_6DD3ABCF95231613D277262538329D2E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7FF33B4063A60E3C5BFC262538313101" xlink:to="loc_frt_A3.625SeniornotesMember_6DD3ABCF95231613D277262538329D2E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_EscondidoPromenadeMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_EscondidoPromenadeMember_4FFA4C4FA7E77F670980262538328E2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7FF33B4063A60E3C5BFC262538313101" xlink:to="loc_frt_EscondidoPromenadeMember_4FFA4C4FA7E77F670980262538328E2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_CD0D8245E92BC187AB322625383254E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_4F8C73CAB637BADF2480262538311A3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_CD0D8245E92BC187AB322625383254E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_03AE5ED8BD4D8A043C32262538325C4E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_CD0D8245E92BC187AB322625383254E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_03AE5ED8BD4D8A043C32262538325C4E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_03AE5ED8BD4D8A043C32262538325C4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_CD0D8245E92BC187AB322625383254E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_03AE5ED8BD4D8A043C32262538325C4E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgagesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgagesMember_F63961C757A4407A8A7426253832AA7E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_03AE5ED8BD4D8A043C32262538325C4E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgagesMember_F63961C757A4407A8A7426253832AA7E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_DC4BEBD88351D18B03C02625383203DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_03AE5ED8BD4D8A043C32262538325C4E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_DC4BEBD88351D18B03C02625383203DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember_295FAD2CF712EE46E615262538322A66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_03AE5ED8BD4D8A043C32262538325C4E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember_295FAD2CF712EE46E615262538322A66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember_8E9F497F2EBDDF5D325026253832E09A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_03AE5ED8BD4D8A043C32262538325C4E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember_8E9F497F2EBDDF5D325026253832E09A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_963DBE729D325BFD082226253832A56E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_8B7675B9D0369B8C50FC262538329B70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_963DBE729D325BFD082226253832A56E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionDebtAssumed1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionDebtAssumed1_A79AFB2BF4CE0639535E26253832EAB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_8B7675B9D0369B8C50FC262538329B70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionDebtAssumed1_A79AFB2BF4CE0639535E26253832EAB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_8C6C5C3D046A44794645262538327AD4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_8B7675B9D0369B8C50FC262538329B70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_8C6C5C3D046A44794645262538327AD4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue_2BA52F406F014F771E6A2625383283C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_8B7675B9D0369B8C50FC262538329B70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue_2BA52F406F014F771E6A2625383283C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_5BFE682990E9779CD32D26253833F763" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_8B7675B9D0369B8C50FC262538329B70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_5BFE682990E9779CD32D26253833F763" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumAmountOutstandingDuringPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumAmountOutstandingDuringPeriod_F560046E61172EBD999626253833744D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_8B7675B9D0369B8C50FC262538329B70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumAmountOutstandingDuringPeriod_F560046E61172EBD999626253833744D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAverageOutstandingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAverageOutstandingAmount_B42AA81CD69974B827F0262538335EBD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_8B7675B9D0369B8C50FC262538329B70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAverageOutstandingAmount_B42AA81CD69974B827F0262538335EBD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_LineofcreditfacilityweightedaverageinterestratebeforeamortizationofdebtFees" xlink:label="loc_frt_LineofcreditfacilityweightedaverageinterestratebeforeamortizationofdebtFees_9D3723DE6E61C81C808226253833E84C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_8B7675B9D0369B8C50FC262538329B70" xlink:to="loc_frt_LineofcreditfacilityweightedaverageinterestratebeforeamortizationofdebtFees_9D3723DE6E61C81C808226253833E84C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_BBFB266CEE76C798FD6926253833E428" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_8B7675B9D0369B8C50FC262538329B70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_BBFB266CEE76C798FD6926253833E428" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_844D9340338C744DB2C126253833C7B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_8B7675B9D0369B8C50FC262538329B70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_844D9340338C744DB2C126253833C7B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_7399F801BB647DEAAE902625383392D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_8B7675B9D0369B8C50FC262538329B70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_7399F801BB647DEAAE902625383392D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_Lineofcreditfacilityoptiontoincreaseamount" xlink:label="loc_frt_Lineofcreditfacilityoptiontoincreaseamount_E5F5B51FE9AC2180C9792625383353F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_8B7675B9D0369B8C50FC262538329B70" xlink:to="loc_frt_Lineofcreditfacilityoptiontoincreaseamount_E5F5B51FE9AC2180C9792625383353F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_Lineofcreditfacilityannualfacilityfee" xlink:label="loc_frt_Lineofcreditfacilityannualfacilityfee_0105B479D37CFD18AD1C262538334537" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_8B7675B9D0369B8C50FC262538329B70" xlink:to="loc_frt_Lineofcreditfacilityannualfacilityfee_0105B479D37CFD18AD1C262538334537" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_0A416A7361B789A4D6A726253833B86F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_8B7675B9D0369B8C50FC262538329B70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_0A416A7361B789A4D6A726253833B86F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_NoteOfferingPercent" xlink:label="loc_frt_NoteOfferingPercent_E2C19B5C32DE96CB298C262538334B9A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_8B7675B9D0369B8C50FC262538329B70" xlink:to="loc_frt_NoteOfferingPercent_E2C19B5C32DE96CB298C262538334B9A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_DebtYieldToMaturityPercent" xlink:label="loc_frt_DebtYieldToMaturityPercent_3504C9A47171B8F373BB26253833BD86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_8B7675B9D0369B8C50FC262538329B70" xlink:to="loc_frt_DebtYieldToMaturityPercent_3504C9A47171B8F373BB26253833BD86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSeniorLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSeniorLongTermDebt_2721E13CA895450E179926253833994F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_8B7675B9D0369B8C50FC262538329B70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSeniorLongTermDebt_2721E13CA895450E179926253833994F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_1168669F6E30F2C55535263D1F4F2D9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_8B7675B9D0369B8C50FC262538329B70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_1168669F6E30F2C55535263D1F4F2D9F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/DebtPrincipalPaymentsOnMortgagePayableNotesPayableSeniorNotesAndDebenturesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E673F6B0C651AD83243123AC461D2458" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_AAA88D12D9AE2F2FA11923AC461326DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E673F6B0C651AD83243123AC461D2458" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_AAA88D12D9AE2F2FA11923AC461326DC" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_1846BF3DFD5AC14DB64323AC4613442E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_AAA88D12D9AE2F2FA11923AC461326DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_1846BF3DFD5AC14DB64323AC4613442E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_D4DAC88005F30640D72523AC4613330C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_1846BF3DFD5AC14DB64323AC4613442E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_D4DAC88005F30640D72523AC4613330C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_D4DAC88005F30640D72523AC4613330C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_1846BF3DFD5AC14DB64323AC4613442E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_D4DAC88005F30640D72523AC4613330C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_340242AD996C77A4D12223AC4613BB56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_AAA88D12D9AE2F2FA11923AC461326DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_340242AD996C77A4D12223AC4613BB56" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_546746B0C8C554090D9823AC461380F2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_340242AD996C77A4D12223AC4613BB56" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_546746B0C8C554090D9823AC461380F2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_546746B0C8C554090D9823AC461380F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_340242AD996C77A4D12223AC4613BB56" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_546746B0C8C554090D9823AC461380F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_E6F47058F4D66D40483323AC46134E7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_546746B0C8C554090D9823AC461380F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_E6F47058F4D66D40483323AC46134E7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_TermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_TermLoanMember_BFDFFEF54CC0A474099423AC46133303" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_546746B0C8C554090D9823AC461380F2" xlink:to="loc_frt_TermLoanMember_BFDFFEF54CC0A474099423AC46133303" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_71D20721BE28AB5335AB23AC4613DFBA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_AAA88D12D9AE2F2FA11923AC461326DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_71D20721BE28AB5335AB23AC4613DFBA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_9DC59A8E598A27F3AFA523AC461DF3BA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_71D20721BE28AB5335AB23AC4613DFBA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_9DC59A8E598A27F3AFA523AC461DF3BA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_9DC59A8E598A27F3AFA523AC461DF3BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_71D20721BE28AB5335AB23AC4613DFBA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_9DC59A8E598A27F3AFA523AC461DF3BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_EFE137071C7E6934774F23AC461D6C3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_9DC59A8E598A27F3AFA523AC461DF3BA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_EFE137071C7E6934774F23AC461D6C3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember_25DDFD10FB6F99CAD11B23AC461D93F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_9DC59A8E598A27F3AFA523AC461DF3BA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember_25DDFD10FB6F99CAD11B23AC461D93F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_25BBBE2D1683F56BD8C223AC461DC9F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_9DC59A8E598A27F3AFA523AC461DF3BA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_25BBBE2D1683F56BD8C223AC461DC9F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_98C5DB7176E8494651B323AC461D3BAE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E673F6B0C651AD83243123AC461D2458" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_98C5DB7176E8494651B323AC461D3BAE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_D05CAD68C9F724D8A47423AC461D0023" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E673F6B0C651AD83243123AC461D2458" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_D05CAD68C9F724D8A47423AC461D0023" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_DC3920897422DCB6B8A623AC461D61BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E673F6B0C651AD83243123AC461D2458" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_DC3920897422DCB6B8A623AC461D61BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths_5C68F20F3559790F66DD23AC461D7D1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E673F6B0C651AD83243123AC461D2458" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths_5C68F20F3559790F66DD23AC461D7D1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_7B658725AFD9394ED67923AC461D285E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E673F6B0C651AD83243123AC461D2458" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_7B658725AFD9394ED67923AC461D285E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_FEA7BCF2BB68A46E2C4823AC461D5A4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E673F6B0C651AD83243123AC461D2458" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_FEA7BCF2BB68A46E2C4823AC461D5A4C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour_4A4E6FC3C0FFB6790F7423AC461D7AC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E673F6B0C651AD83243123AC461D2458" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour_4A4E6FC3C0FFB6790F7423AC461D7AC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive_87D23CA45977ED60664B23AC461DB14C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E673F6B0C651AD83243123AC461D2458" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive_87D23CA45977ED60664B23AC461DB14C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive_57C4B6D22AFD5A42598323AC461D8282" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E673F6B0C651AD83243123AC461D2458" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive_57C4B6D22AFD5A42598323AC461D8282" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNotesPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNotesPayable_39E0B16E84E6417064C823AC461DF560" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E673F6B0C651AD83243123AC461D2458" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNotesPayable_39E0B16E84E6417064C823AC461DF560" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_EE29315A86EB9B0A3B8B23AC461DFF9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E673F6B0C651AD83243123AC461D2458" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_EE29315A86EB9B0A3B8B23AC461DFF9C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/DebtSummaryOfDebtOutstandingDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3155E04C811F13ED512F24A12E006512" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_CA4C8DC092C1DFCD983F24A12DEA7930" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3155E04C811F13ED512F24A12E006512" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_CA4C8DC092C1DFCD983F24A12DEA7930" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_1BCDBF4009514FA786B824A12DEB0DA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_CA4C8DC092C1DFCD983F24A12DEA7930" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_1BCDBF4009514FA786B824A12DEB0DA0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_FE0FC6C21AA9E762DCA224A12DF0BB98_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_1BCDBF4009514FA786B824A12DEB0DA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_FE0FC6C21AA9E762DCA224A12DF0BB98_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_FE0FC6C21AA9E762DCA224A12DF0BB98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_1BCDBF4009514FA786B824A12DEB0DA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_FE0FC6C21AA9E762DCA224A12DF0BB98" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_011F450282C25DD22F3924A12DF0ADD7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_FE0FC6C21AA9E762DCA224A12DF0BB98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_011F450282C25DD22F3924A12DF0ADD7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_5F9EB167D30C62EA9ABC24A12DF188F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_CA4C8DC092C1DFCD983F24A12DEA7930" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_5F9EB167D30C62EA9ABC24A12DF188F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_863C715926367FACE2FA24A12DF17E61_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_5F9EB167D30C62EA9ABC24A12DF188F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_863C715926367FACE2FA24A12DF17E61_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_863C715926367FACE2FA24A12DF17E61" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_5F9EB167D30C62EA9ABC24A12DF188F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_863C715926367FACE2FA24A12DF17E61" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_MelvilleMallMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_MelvilleMallMember_B7318F873708ADE0CF6724A12DF16B58" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_863C715926367FACE2FA24A12DF17E61" xlink:to="loc_frt_MelvilleMallMember_B7318F873708ADE0CF6724A12DF16B58" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_BarracksRoadMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_BarracksRoadMember_4D783095FC42DF62EFF624A12DF30B33" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_863C715926367FACE2FA24A12DF17E61" xlink:to="loc_frt_BarracksRoadMember_4D783095FC42DF62EFF624A12DF30B33" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_HauppaugeMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_HauppaugeMember_9DBA598BDC4F5412401F24A12DF3112A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_863C715926367FACE2FA24A12DF17E61" xlink:to="loc_frt_HauppaugeMember_9DBA598BDC4F5412401F24A12DF3112A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_LawrenceParkMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_LawrenceParkMember_68D60EE6B8690B3384A024A12DF3A922" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_863C715926367FACE2FA24A12DF17E61" xlink:to="loc_frt_LawrenceParkMember_68D60EE6B8690B3384A024A12DF3A922" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_WildwoodMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_WildwoodMember_E451C648622E947A365724A12DF4570B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_863C715926367FACE2FA24A12DF17E61" xlink:to="loc_frt_WildwoodMember_E451C648622E947A365724A12DF4570B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_WynnewoodMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_WynnewoodMember_C3BD1F648107E01EF99B24A12DF4745B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_863C715926367FACE2FA24A12DF17E61" xlink:to="loc_frt_WynnewoodMember_C3BD1F648107E01EF99B24A12DF4745B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_BrickPlazaMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_BrickPlazaMember_E06C59CBC5E06D93694324A12DF4ACC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_863C715926367FACE2FA24A12DF17E61" xlink:to="loc_frt_BrickPlazaMember_E06C59CBC5E06D93694324A12DF4ACC1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_EastBayBridgeMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_EastBayBridgeMember_72CA28A6AD14F503280F24A12DF4F58F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_863C715926367FACE2FA24A12DF17E61" xlink:to="loc_frt_EastBayBridgeMember_72CA28A6AD14F503280F24A12DF4F58F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_PlazaElSegundoMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_PlazaElSegundoMember_4E0F538B83F1A7F84C6124A12DF41A1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_863C715926367FACE2FA24A12DF17E61" xlink:to="loc_frt_PlazaElSegundoMember_4E0F538B83F1A7F84C6124A12DF41A1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_GroveatShrewsburyEastMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_GroveatShrewsburyEastMember_76309FBB3418B0F6E82324A12DF4E978" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_863C715926367FACE2FA24A12DF17E61" xlink:to="loc_frt_GroveatShrewsburyEastMember_76309FBB3418B0F6E82324A12DF4E978" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_GroveatShrewsburyWESTMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_GroveatShrewsburyWESTMember_279683B6BE4EDB601C2524A12DF4DDCD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_863C715926367FACE2FA24A12DF17E61" xlink:to="loc_frt_GroveatShrewsburyWESTMember_279683B6BE4EDB601C2524A12DF4DDCD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_RollingwoodApartmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_RollingwoodApartmentsMember_B04137EE341F93FE52D824A12DF40488" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_863C715926367FACE2FA24A12DF17E61" xlink:to="loc_frt_RollingwoodApartmentsMember_B04137EE341F93FE52D824A12DF40488" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_SunsetPlaceMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_SunsetPlaceMember_B90F66635E9F6C03B45124A12DF41C65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_863C715926367FACE2FA24A12DF17E61" xlink:to="loc_frt_SunsetPlaceMember_B90F66635E9F6C03B45124A12DF41C65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_A29thPlaceMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_A29thPlaceMember_22677165ED2E716E927624A12DF4EC31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_863C715926367FACE2FA24A12DF17E61" xlink:to="loc_frt_A29thPlaceMember_22677165ED2E716E927624A12DF4EC31" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_THEAVENUEatWhiteMarshDue2021Member" xlink:label="loc_frt_THEAVENUEatWhiteMarshDue2021Member_8F02E24F196E7180DC5D24A12DF90EE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_863C715926367FACE2FA24A12DF17E61" xlink:to="loc_frt_THEAVENUEatWhiteMarshDue2021Member_8F02E24F196E7180DC5D24A12DF90EE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_MontroseCrossingMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_MontroseCrossingMember_772A058C71C438E0984624A12DF9F14D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_863C715926367FACE2FA24A12DF17E61" xlink:to="loc_frt_MontroseCrossingMember_772A058C71C438E0984624A12DF9F14D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_Brook35Member" xlink:label="loc_frt_Brook35Member_AFB0C19E74FB87763CDD24A12DFAF65C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_863C715926367FACE2FA24A12DF17E61" xlink:to="loc_frt_Brook35Member_AFB0C19E74FB87763CDD24A12DFAF65C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_ChelseaMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_ChelseaMember_80A0E8610478AEA1CFF924A12DFA50E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_863C715926367FACE2FA24A12DF17E61" xlink:to="loc_frt_ChelseaMember_80A0E8610478AEA1CFF924A12DFA50E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_EscondidoPromenadeMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_EscondidoPromenadeMember_528517FCEB9B4BC41AB424A12DFA94AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_863C715926367FACE2FA24A12DF17E61" xlink:to="loc_frt_EscondidoPromenadeMember_528517FCEB9B4BC41AB424A12DFA94AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_4F99058501937F630EAF24A12DFA15F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_863C715926367FACE2FA24A12DF17E61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_4F99058501937F630EAF24A12DFA15F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_TermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_TermLoanMember_1CD0B7F48D8C767E277F24A12DFA4E1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_863C715926367FACE2FA24A12DF17E61" xlink:to="loc_frt_TermLoanMember_1CD0B7F48D8C767E277F24A12DFA4E1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_VariousNotesPayableMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_VariousNotesPayableMember_045102FD9A3C8C1E155024A12DFA8C88" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_863C715926367FACE2FA24A12DF17E61" xlink:to="loc_frt_VariousNotesPayableMember_045102FD9A3C8C1E155024A12DFA8C88" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_Senior590PercentNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_Senior590PercentNotesMember_941585AEE1D18D8C1D6C24A12DFAF0E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_863C715926367FACE2FA24A12DF17E61" xlink:to="loc_frt_Senior590PercentNotesMember_941585AEE1D18D8C1D6C24A12DFAF0E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_A2.55SeniorNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_A2.55SeniorNotesMember_70CF30552323FE62466824A12DFA6456" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="24" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_863C715926367FACE2FA24A12DF17E61" xlink:to="loc_frt_A2.55SeniorNotesMember_70CF30552323FE62466824A12DFA6456" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_Senior300PercentnotesMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_Senior300PercentnotesMember_9569A54759031ABF766024A12DFACED1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="25" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_863C715926367FACE2FA24A12DF17E61" xlink:to="loc_frt_Senior300PercentnotesMember_9569A54759031ABF766024A12DFACED1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_Senior2Point75PercentNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_Senior2Point75PercentNotesMember_55FF53FBCAAE622B827024A12DFA4599" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="26" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_863C715926367FACE2FA24A12DF17E61" xlink:to="loc_frt_Senior2Point75PercentNotesMember_55FF53FBCAAE622B827024A12DFA4599" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_Senior395percentnotesMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_Senior395percentnotesMember_BCA3910238E3637C121924A12DFACD39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="27" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_863C715926367FACE2FA24A12DF17E61" xlink:to="loc_frt_Senior395percentnotesMember_BCA3910238E3637C121924A12DFACD39" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_Debentures748PercentMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_Debentures748PercentMember_FB1872527391B4D0A14B24A12DFAAB81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="28" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_863C715926367FACE2FA24A12DF17E61" xlink:to="loc_frt_Debentures748PercentMember_FB1872527391B4D0A14B24A12DFAAB81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_MediumTermNotes682PercentMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_MediumTermNotes682PercentMember_AB3FEBF8693FFE17A62524A12DFA0731" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="29" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_863C715926367FACE2FA24A12DF17E61" xlink:to="loc_frt_MediumTermNotes682PercentMember_AB3FEBF8693FFE17A62524A12DFA0731" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_A4.50SeniornotesMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_A4.50SeniornotesMember_5D44EBF990C4EE5E4BC824A12DFABCA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="30" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_863C715926367FACE2FA24A12DF17E61" xlink:to="loc_frt_A4.50SeniornotesMember_5D44EBF990C4EE5E4BC824A12DFABCA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_A3.625SeniornotesMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_A3.625SeniornotesMember_DE0FDDBEF4AB6901851E24A12DFB05F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="31" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_863C715926367FACE2FA24A12DF17E61" xlink:to="loc_frt_A3.625SeniornotesMember_DE0FDDBEF4AB6901851E24A12DFB05F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_D8C9F50B6D42B52CD77724A12DFB36A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_CA4C8DC092C1DFCD983F24A12DEA7930" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_D8C9F50B6D42B52CD77724A12DFB36A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_29A2BCA6D95ADCF38DA324A12DFB31A2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_D8C9F50B6D42B52CD77724A12DFB36A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_29A2BCA6D95ADCF38DA324A12DFB31A2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_29A2BCA6D95ADCF38DA324A12DFB31A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_D8C9F50B6D42B52CD77724A12DFB36A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_29A2BCA6D95ADCF38DA324A12DFB31A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_EFB1A98ECDC1EA25E12A24A12DFB43E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_29A2BCA6D95ADCF38DA324A12DFB31A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_EFB1A98ECDC1EA25E12A24A12DFB43E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember_CC37959C6BD81BF2754B24A12E00807D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_29A2BCA6D95ADCF38DA324A12DFB31A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember_CC37959C6BD81BF2754B24A12E00807D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_4EDBB34A9A3056809AE024A12E00CE0F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_29A2BCA6D95ADCF38DA324A12DFB31A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_4EDBB34A9A3056809AE024A12E00CE0F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_F753D890653233C4CB7A24A12E003EB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3155E04C811F13ED512F24A12E006512" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_F753D890653233C4CB7A24A12E003EB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumAndDebtIssuanceCostsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumAndDebtIssuanceCostsNet_C38577F30CF96112ED6024A12E00D68E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3155E04C811F13ED512F24A12E006512" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumAndDebtIssuanceCostsNet_C38577F30CF96112ED6024A12E00D68E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_806553E31A255A654ABA24A12E018C5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3155E04C811F13ED512F24A12E006512" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_806553E31A255A654ABA24A12E018C5F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebt_39B4FE714F4836A793DC24A12E01F4BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3155E04C811F13ED512F24A12E006512" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebt_39B4FE714F4836A793DC24A12E01F4BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MunicipalDebtSecuritiesAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MunicipalDebtSecuritiesAtCarryingValue_68BACC31D81BF09C0E5A24A12E010B3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3155E04C811F13ED512F24A12E006512" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MunicipalDebtSecuritiesAtCarryingValue_68BACC31D81BF09C0E5A24A12E010B3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_60E8CC652BEF1E7807C124A12E01E10B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3155E04C811F13ED512F24A12E006512" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_60E8CC652BEF1E7807C124A12E01E10B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNotesPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNotesPayable_F2C1C446C311EE3C2FB024A12E01473B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3155E04C811F13ED512F24A12E006512" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNotesPayable_F2C1C446C311EE3C2FB024A12E01473B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayable_9CEC35263F17F3AE29F224A12E01ADFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3155E04C811F13ED512F24A12E006512" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayable_9CEC35263F17F3AE29F224A12E01ADFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_1D21946A35AE36B414C624A12E017430" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3155E04C811F13ED512F24A12E006512" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_1D21946A35AE36B414C624A12E017430" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorNotes" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotes_292E06B0873D36377FD824A12E0107B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3155E04C811F13ED512F24A12E006512" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotes_292E06B0873D36377FD824A12E0107B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligations_972A65612D32F3FCFCCE24A12E019593" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3155E04C811F13ED512F24A12E006512" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligations_972A65612D32F3FCFCCE24A12E019593" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_A22CA95A8B5C28A327DC24A12E01AD50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_3155E04C811F13ED512F24A12E006512" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_A22CA95A8B5C28A327DC24A12E01AD50" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/DebtTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_FAC719062BF3BB67A23B24A262E37557" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_EEA545C84556804420B324A262E29C16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_FAC719062BF3BB67A23B24A262E37557" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_EEA545C84556804420B324A262E29C16" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_2A6FA8C72777C5F8055424A262E212CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_EEA545C84556804420B324A262E29C16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_2A6FA8C72777C5F8055424A262E212CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_40C6865C7411FF89C38D24A262E24D0C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_2A6FA8C72777C5F8055424A262E212CB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_40C6865C7411FF89C38D24A262E24D0C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_40C6865C7411FF89C38D24A262E24D0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_2A6FA8C72777C5F8055424A262E212CB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_40C6865C7411FF89C38D24A262E24D0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_D627BF0160AD3FE96D5C24A262E266B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_EEA545C84556804420B324A262E29C16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_D627BF0160AD3FE96D5C24A262E266B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8D73D6B3FBCD9EF9BE3D24A262E24D1C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_D627BF0160AD3FE96D5C24A262E266B3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8D73D6B3FBCD9EF9BE3D24A262E24D1C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8D73D6B3FBCD9EF9BE3D24A262E24D1C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_D627BF0160AD3FE96D5C24A262E266B3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8D73D6B3FBCD9EF9BE3D24A262E24D1C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_3C1847190E257A1CEEF324A262E237D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_EEA545C84556804420B324A262E29C16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_3C1847190E257A1CEEF324A262E237D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_C14FD81C8D428E2D258C24A262E308A3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_3C1847190E257A1CEEF324A262E237D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_C14FD81C8D428E2D258C24A262E308A3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_C14FD81C8D428E2D258C24A262E308A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_3C1847190E257A1CEEF324A262E237D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_C14FD81C8D428E2D258C24A262E308A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_06F26A70BC0546FB6AAF24A262E3F2D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_EEA545C84556804420B324A262E29C16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_06F26A70BC0546FB6AAF24A262E3F2D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_A67B86632E49E59B3E4924A262E3FFA9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_06F26A70BC0546FB6AAF24A262E3F2D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_A67B86632E49E59B3E4924A262E3FFA9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_A67B86632E49E59B3E4924A262E3FFA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_06F26A70BC0546FB6AAF24A262E3F2D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_A67B86632E49E59B3E4924A262E3FFA9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/Dividends" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/DividendsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/DividendsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformationDocument" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/EarningsPerShareNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_EarningsPerShareNarrativeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_frt_EarningsPerShareNarrativeLineItems_3938851AF1C5A431ED8F244E30E61628" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_EarningsPerShareNarrativeTable" xlink:label="loc_frt_EarningsPerShareNarrativeTable_DB3F22E3B274025DB376244E30D4E378" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_frt_EarningsPerShareNarrativeLineItems_3938851AF1C5A431ED8F244E30E61628" xlink:to="loc_frt_EarningsPerShareNarrativeTable_DB3F22E3B274025DB376244E30D4E378" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_9D37E478D88D763B6D65244D0C5BEFAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_frt_EarningsPerShareNarrativeTable_DB3F22E3B274025DB376244E30D4E378" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_9D37E478D88D763B6D65244D0C5BEFAF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_42F3BE75762A96457AD5244D0CAD1E04_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_9D37E478D88D763B6D65244D0C5BEFAF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_42F3BE75762A96457AD5244D0CAD1E04_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_42F3BE75762A96457AD5244D0CAD1E04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_9D37E478D88D763B6D65244D0C5BEFAF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_42F3BE75762A96457AD5244D0CAD1E04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_A5417Series1CumulativeConvertiblePreferredMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_A5417Series1CumulativeConvertiblePreferredMember_02D8A6DC8608910C826A244D0D306CC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_42F3BE75762A96457AD5244D0CAD1E04" xlink:to="loc_frt_A5417Series1CumulativeConvertiblePreferredMember_02D8A6DC8608910C826A244D0D306CC5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToParticipatingNonvestedSharesWithNonForfeitableDividendRights" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToParticipatingNonvestedSharesWithNonForfeitableDividendRights_34D4A7A9CB763CC0E17C23CCEAA8474F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_frt_EarningsPerShareNarrativeLineItems_3938851AF1C5A431ED8F244E30E61628" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToParticipatingNonvestedSharesWithNonForfeitableDividendRights_34D4A7A9CB763CC0E17C23CCEAA8474F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_0F50076441D08E4FE64923CCEAA8FCC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_frt_EarningsPerShareNarrativeLineItems_3938851AF1C5A431ED8F244E30E61628" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_0F50076441D08E4FE64923CCEAA8FCC1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage_997F8322813CE716E6DB23CCEAA8804A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_frt_EarningsPerShareNarrativeLineItems_3938851AF1C5A431ED8F244E30E61628" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage_997F8322813CE716E6DB23CCEAA8804A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/EarningsPerShareScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstruments" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_7C7E89E520D79FA5AEF41FA42AA0534D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_B71778975533D4C7AA281FA42A9E3090" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_7C7E89E520D79FA5AEF41FA42AA0534D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_B71778975533D4C7AA281FA42A9E3090" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_D2CFF5F76C3477A4AD311FA42A9ECE75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_B71778975533D4C7AA281FA42A9E3090" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_D2CFF5F76C3477A4AD311FA42A9ECE75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_EB93450C7270185D0DB91FA42A9E8BD2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_D2CFF5F76C3477A4AD311FA42A9ECE75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_EB93450C7270185D0DB91FA42A9E8BD2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_EB93450C7270185D0DB91FA42A9E8BD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_D2CFF5F76C3477A4AD311FA42A9ECE75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_EB93450C7270185D0DB91FA42A9E8BD2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_7A142673BD8A95A3F60E1FA42A9E8A3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_EB93450C7270185D0DB91FA42A9E8BD2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_7A142673BD8A95A3F60E1FA42A9E8A3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_90EBF311EF6A6F943E341FA42A9E510B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_B71778975533D4C7AA281FA42A9E3090" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_90EBF311EF6A6F943E341FA42A9E510B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_BE9E8DDAC356CD725B221FA42A9F2A96_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_90EBF311EF6A6F943E341FA42A9E510B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_BE9E8DDAC356CD725B221FA42A9F2A96_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_BE9E8DDAC356CD725B221FA42A9F2A96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_90EBF311EF6A6F943E341FA42A9E510B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_BE9E8DDAC356CD725B221FA42A9F2A96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_73923BB9A27B4079E3EC1FA42A9FF607" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_BE9E8DDAC356CD725B221FA42A9F2A96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_73923BB9A27B4079E3EC1FA42A9FF607" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_C98998B7D8F781361B3E1FA42A9FF211" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_B71778975533D4C7AA281FA42A9E3090" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_C98998B7D8F781361B3E1FA42A9FF211" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_788EA9C0EF80CDC6733F1FA42A9F6963_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_C98998B7D8F781361B3E1FA42A9FF211" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_788EA9C0EF80CDC6733F1FA42A9F6963_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_788EA9C0EF80CDC6733F1FA42A9F6963" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_C98998B7D8F781361B3E1FA42A9FF211" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_788EA9C0EF80CDC6733F1FA42A9F6963" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_431691DA9681B622D22C1FA42A9FCB4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_788EA9C0EF80CDC6733F1FA42A9F6963" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_431691DA9681B622D22C1FA42A9FCB4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_CF8428483B5965914EE41FA42A9F33DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_B71778975533D4C7AA281FA42A9E3090" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_CF8428483B5965914EE41FA42A9F33DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_3E30B087E0803C56F1EE1FA42A9F51D3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_CF8428483B5965914EE41FA42A9F33DA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_3E30B087E0803C56F1EE1FA42A9F51D3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_3E30B087E0803C56F1EE1FA42A9F51D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_CF8428483B5965914EE41FA42A9F33DA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_3E30B087E0803C56F1EE1FA42A9F51D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_TermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_TermLoanMember_74959D965B037D2B75011FA42A9F64CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_3E30B087E0803C56F1EE1FA42A9F51D3" xlink:to="loc_frt_TermLoanMember_74959D965B037D2B75011FA42A9F64CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_A06468E6378083D1C1151FA42AA0A837" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_B71778975533D4C7AA281FA42A9E3090" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_A06468E6378083D1C1151FA42AA0A837" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_BFDA3D617DBF5B17B5141FA42AA08A22_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_A06468E6378083D1C1151FA42AA0A837" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_BFDA3D617DBF5B17B5141FA42AA08A22_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_BFDA3D617DBF5B17B5141FA42AA08A22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_A06468E6378083D1C1151FA42AA0A837" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_BFDA3D617DBF5B17B5141FA42AA08A22" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesMember_690D6022C83CDD07CA4A1FA42AA04CEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_BFDA3D617DBF5B17B5141FA42AA08A22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesMember_690D6022C83CDD07CA4A1FA42AA04CEA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfInterestRateDerivativesHeld" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfInterestRateDerivativesHeld_EB67EF0DD87CE6F7A8271FA42AA010C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_7C7E89E520D79FA5AEF41FA42AA0534D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfInterestRateDerivativesHeld_EB67EF0DD87CE6F7A8271FA42AA010C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotionalAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotionalAmount_8305BB50E56D54960FFE1FA42AA01EBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_7C7E89E520D79FA5AEF41FA42AA0534D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotionalAmount_8305BB50E56D54960FFE1FA42AA01EBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNotesPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNotesPayable_C7B532D89AB8493344891FA42AA09277" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_7C7E89E520D79FA5AEF41FA42AA0534D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNotesPayable_C7B532D89AB8493344891FA42AA09277" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate_592C1015E15B38CD76161FA42AA1CC63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_7C7E89E520D79FA5AEF41FA42AA0534D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate_592C1015E15B38CD76161FA42AA1CC63" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_20C295B40AB53250DCDD1FA42AA1F5F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_7C7E89E520D79FA5AEF41FA42AA0534D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_20C295B40AB53250DCDD1FA42AA1F5F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_4C4A8FA41C60A1CAD1691FA42AA1B0E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_7C7E89E520D79FA5AEF41FA42AA0534D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_4C4A8FA41C60A1CAD1691FA42AA1B0E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeGainLossReclassifiedToEarningsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeGainLossReclassifiedToEarningsNet_302AD18E47B359E072741FA42AA147F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_7C7E89E520D79FA5AEF41FA42AA0534D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeGainLossReclassifiedToEarningsNet_302AD18E47B359E072741FA42AA147F0" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsSummaryOfCarryingAmountAndFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_A4BC15ED0E28A8C4D4FBDB3DBD389BFF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_75CF7780806DDBD8C4FEDB3DBD3020E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_A4BC15ED0E28A8C4D4FBDB3DBD389BFF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_75CF7780806DDBD8C4FEDB3DBD3020E9" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_713BC9680CC12F8AB901DB3DBD309E5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_75CF7780806DDBD8C4FEDB3DBD3020E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_713BC9680CC12F8AB901DB3DBD309E5C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_D8C9CF2C906910FB80B0DB3DBD30FA94_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_713BC9680CC12F8AB901DB3DBD309E5C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_D8C9CF2C906910FB80B0DB3DBD30FA94_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_D8C9CF2C906910FB80B0DB3DBD30FA94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_713BC9680CC12F8AB901DB3DBD309E5C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_D8C9CF2C906910FB80B0DB3DBD30FA94" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_MortgagesPayableAndNotesPayableMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_MortgagesPayableAndNotesPayableMember_F92EBF9BB51CA39B8CF3DB3DBD30C2CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_D8C9CF2C906910FB80B0DB3DBD30FA94" xlink:to="loc_frt_MortgagesPayableAndNotesPayableMember_F92EBF9BB51CA39B8CF3DB3DBD30C2CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_SeniorNotesAndDebenturesMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_SeniorNotesAndDebenturesMember_0D0B92DF2D33894A61BADB3DBD31AD90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_D8C9CF2C906910FB80B0DB3DBD30FA94" xlink:to="loc_frt_SeniorNotesAndDebenturesMember_0D0B92DF2D33894A61BADB3DBD31AD90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_867181411E588DCBD432DB3DBD3287B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_75CF7780806DDBD8C4FEDB3DBD3020E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_867181411E588DCBD432DB3DBD3287B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_2589D6954BCAFB2EF403DB3DBD327DBD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_867181411E588DCBD432DB3DBD3287B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_2589D6954BCAFB2EF403DB3DBD327DBD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_610C86B04413837F353EDB3DBD321646" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_867181411E588DCBD432DB3DBD3287B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_610C86B04413837F353EDB3DBD321646" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_2589D6954BCAFB2EF403DB3DBD327DBD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_610C86B04413837F353EDB3DBD321646" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_2589D6954BCAFB2EF403DB3DBD327DBD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_D4A000FA7BCC76B62BC5DB3DBD386E4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_2589D6954BCAFB2EF403DB3DBD327DBD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_D4A000FA7BCC76B62BC5DB3DBD386E4E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_DA29582A5D36E7138889DB3DBD381968" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_2589D6954BCAFB2EF403DB3DBD327DBD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_DA29582A5D36E7138889DB3DBD381968" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_3DF83F400E2E67934D91DB3DBD3853E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_A4BC15ED0E28A8C4D4FBDB3DBD389BFF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_3DF83F400E2E67934D91DB3DBD3853E9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsSummaryOfFinancialLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_D902EE3011DCF76CA1DBDB3DBD61B383" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_584D14A924BFE886E2FCDB3DBD5AC310" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_D902EE3011DCF76CA1DBDB3DBD61B383" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_584D14A924BFE886E2FCDB3DBD5AC310" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_1AE35EE61C8B340A6FF9DB3DBD5B060E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_584D14A924BFE886E2FCDB3DBD5AC310" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_1AE35EE61C8B340A6FF9DB3DBD5B060E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_78C626C513B1E5C97CFDDB3DBD5B1529_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_1AE35EE61C8B340A6FF9DB3DBD5B060E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_78C626C513B1E5C97CFDDB3DBD5B1529_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_78C626C513B1E5C97CFDDB3DBD5B1529" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_1AE35EE61C8B340A6FF9DB3DBD5B060E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_78C626C513B1E5C97CFDDB3DBD5B1529" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_F5A844470209919E72FCDB3DBD5B4130" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_78C626C513B1E5C97CFDDB3DBD5B1529" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_F5A844470209919E72FCDB3DBD5B4130" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_AD5B1CC6AE9FE6C5D8E2DB3DBD5B0C9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_584D14A924BFE886E2FCDB3DBD5AC310" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_AD5B1CC6AE9FE6C5D8E2DB3DBD5B0C9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_9B011D7A0178F8261260DB3DBD5B92CB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_AD5B1CC6AE9FE6C5D8E2DB3DBD5B0C9B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_9B011D7A0178F8261260DB3DBD5B92CB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_9B011D7A0178F8261260DB3DBD5B92CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_AD5B1CC6AE9FE6C5D8E2DB3DBD5B0C9B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_9B011D7A0178F8261260DB3DBD5B92CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_BC692B15DE33BD447719DB3DBD5BBC7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_9B011D7A0178F8261260DB3DBD5B92CB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_BC692B15DE33BD447719DB3DBD5BBC7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_F37F59804E0D539FEECEDB3DBD5BADF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_584D14A924BFE886E2FCDB3DBD5AC310" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_F37F59804E0D539FEECEDB3DBD5BADF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_D824169D7B9243EF28DCDB3DBD61824E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_F37F59804E0D539FEECEDB3DBD5BADF1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_D824169D7B9243EF28DCDB3DBD61824E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_D824169D7B9243EF28DCDB3DBD61824E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_F37F59804E0D539FEECEDB3DBD5BADF1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_D824169D7B9243EF28DCDB3DBD61824E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_5088FCAD4F618DF2B42FDB3DBD611C47" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_D824169D7B9243EF28DCDB3DBD61824E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_5088FCAD4F618DF2B42FDB3DBD611C47" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_9C4FF890D386653DA6DCDB3DBD616902" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_D824169D7B9243EF28DCDB3DBD61824E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_9C4FF890D386653DA6DCDB3DBD616902" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_0294499DAE33BD663236DB3DBD61C562" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_D824169D7B9243EF28DCDB3DBD61824E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_0294499DAE33BD663236DB3DBD61C562" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_EB3552E357A49CB9570ADB3DBD613861" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_D902EE3011DCF76CA1DBDB3DBD61B383" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_EB3552E357A49CB9570ADB3DBD613861" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/MortgageNotesReceivable" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/MortgageNotesReceivableDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/OperatingLeases" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/OperatingLeasesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems_4C36C6436B67E9A27EA4D105903F6C98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseByMajorPropertyClassTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseByMajorPropertyClassTable_5F8979C6D1AD2221A8F6D105903E4A86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems_4C36C6436B67E9A27EA4D105903F6C98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseByMajorPropertyClassTable_5F8979C6D1AD2221A8F6D105903E4A86" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_RealEstateInvestmentsByPropertyTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_frt_RealEstateInvestmentsByPropertyTypeAxis_165CFD9261E8027733B4D105903EBAB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseByMajorPropertyClassTable_5F8979C6D1AD2221A8F6D105903E4A86" xlink:to="loc_frt_RealEstateInvestmentsByPropertyTypeAxis_165CFD9261E8027733B4D105903EBAB8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_RealEstateInvestmentsPropertyTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_frt_RealEstateInvestmentsPropertyTypeDomain_4DA456377F0E651A0354D105903EA1DE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_frt_RealEstateInvestmentsByPropertyTypeAxis_165CFD9261E8027733B4D105903EBAB8" xlink:to="loc_frt_RealEstateInvestmentsPropertyTypeDomain_4DA456377F0E651A0354D105903EA1DE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_RealEstateInvestmentsPropertyTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_frt_RealEstateInvestmentsPropertyTypeDomain_4DA456377F0E651A0354D105903EA1DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_frt_RealEstateInvestmentsByPropertyTypeAxis_165CFD9261E8027733B4D105903EBAB8" xlink:to="loc_frt_RealEstateInvestmentsPropertyTypeDomain_4DA456377F0E651A0354D105903EA1DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember_5733C213F58E5596C1CBD105903E56F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_frt_RealEstateInvestmentsPropertyTypeDomain_4DA456377F0E651A0354D105903EA1DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember_5733C213F58E5596C1CBD105903E56F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember_4E148F110787D32059DAD105903E22A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_frt_RealEstateInvestmentsPropertyTypeDomain_4DA456377F0E651A0354D105903EA1DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember_4E148F110787D32059DAD105903E22A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_1DEC932545147630A8A1D105903EDDFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseByMajorPropertyClassTable_5F8979C6D1AD2221A8F6D105903E4A86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_1DEC932545147630A8A1D105903EDDFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_E262613BBB133EFFDC58D105903F0601_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_1DEC932545147630A8A1D105903EDDFB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_E262613BBB133EFFDC58D105903F0601_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_E262613BBB133EFFDC58D105903F0601" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_1DEC932545147630A8A1D105903EDDFB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_E262613BBB133EFFDC58D105903F0601" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_26D8F984507959122F36D105903F8C40" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_E262613BBB133EFFDC58D105903F0601" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_26D8F984507959122F36D105903F8C40" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_49132B072B143F9B2AD0D105903FCE71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_E262613BBB133EFFDC58D105903F0601" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_49132B072B143F9B2AD0D105903FCE71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties_2A8EE59A4429CC0587A8D105903F42A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems_4C36C6436B67E9A27EA4D105903F6C98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties_2A8EE59A4429CC0587A8D105903F42A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfStatesInWhichEntityOperates" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfStatesInWhichEntityOperates_7998550746E32A6C2567D105903FB12D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems_4C36C6436B67E9A27EA4D105903F6C98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfStatesInWhichEntityOperates_7998550746E32A6C2567D105903FB12D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_NumberOfLeases" xlink:label="loc_frt_NumberOfLeases_434EA617E48DB6379536D105903F55D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems_4C36C6436B67E9A27EA4D105903F6C98" xlink:to="loc_frt_NumberOfLeases_434EA617E48DB6379536D105903F55D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_PercentOfAnnualizedBaseRentMaximum" xlink:label="loc_frt_PercentOfAnnualizedBaseRentMaximum_3F5273DB82B3F82CBF57D105903FF3F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems_4C36C6436B67E9A27EA4D105903F6C98" xlink:to="loc_frt_PercentOfAnnualizedBaseRentMaximum_3F5273DB82B3F82CBF57D105903FF3F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_OperatingLeaseTerm" xlink:label="loc_frt_OperatingLeaseTerm_31ECECE1B5B0D3C52FD0D105903FC47B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems_4C36C6436B67E9A27EA4D105903F6C98" xlink:to="loc_frt_OperatingLeaseTerm_31ECECE1B5B0D3C52FD0D105903FC47B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableAbstract_A8840BA9109A4D978999D105903F6FD3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems_4C36C6436B67E9A27EA4D105903F6C98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableAbstract_A8840BA9109A4D978999D105903F6FD3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableCurrent_87EF39C14505900B07ACD105903FE0A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableAbstract_A8840BA9109A4D978999D105903F6FD3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableCurrent_87EF39C14505900B07ACD105903FE0A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInTwoYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInTwoYears_9E46FE2406E0255A8A5FD10590415967" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableAbstract_A8840BA9109A4D978999D105903F6FD3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInTwoYears_9E46FE2406E0255A8A5FD10590415967" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInThreeYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInThreeYears_88011FC4EB877015BD28D10590417AB3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableAbstract_A8840BA9109A4D978999D105903F6FD3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInThreeYears_88011FC4EB877015BD28D10590417AB3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInFourYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInFourYears_E7491643C7B365057AD5D105904168F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableAbstract_A8840BA9109A4D978999D105903F6FD3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInFourYears_E7491643C7B365057AD5D105904168F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInFiveYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInFiveYears_B8627A236C8C783632CCD10590413FAE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableAbstract_A8840BA9109A4D978999D105903F6FD3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInFiveYears_B8627A236C8C783632CCD10590413FAE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableThereafter" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableThereafter_451FCF9530F6676D7C2FD10590413AEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableAbstract_A8840BA9109A4D978999D105903F6FD3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableThereafter_451FCF9530F6676D7C2FD10590413AEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivable_03B77EF9D4832904EEFED1059041AF17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableAbstract_A8840BA9109A4D978999D105903F6FD3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivable_03B77EF9D4832904EEFED1059041AF17" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/OperatingLeasesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/RealEstate" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/RealEstateAssetsHeldForSaleDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems_70F245F2822DB74BAFA7357930672E43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleTable_DA94381EABB9886D839E35793066C5B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems_70F245F2822DB74BAFA7357930672E43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleTable_DA94381EABB9886D839E35793066C5B8" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_AF5889C472956F369DA635793066A81E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleTable_DA94381EABB9886D839E35793066C5B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_AF5889C472956F369DA635793066A81E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_93320F0CFE3B5B17A30735793066D2E7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_AF5889C472956F369DA635793066A81E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_93320F0CFE3B5B17A30735793066D2E7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_93320F0CFE3B5B17A30735793066D2E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_AF5889C472956F369DA635793066A81E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_93320F0CFE3B5B17A30735793066D2E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_AssemblySquareMarketPlaceAssemblyRowMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_AssemblySquareMarketPlaceAssemblyRowMember_B191A79DF50B265FB2B63579306797AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_93320F0CFE3B5B17A30735793066D2E7" xlink:to="loc_frt_AssemblySquareMarketPlaceAssemblyRowMember_B191A79DF50B265FB2B63579306797AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_223E26AEB00DF0E4854D35793067C409" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleTable_DA94381EABB9886D839E35793066C5B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_223E26AEB00DF0E4854D35793067C409" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_366ED2D2AFAF8EA36383357930673EB2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_223E26AEB00DF0E4854D35793067C409" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_366ED2D2AFAF8EA36383357930673EB2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_366ED2D2AFAF8EA36383357930673EB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_223E26AEB00DF0E4854D35793067C409" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_366ED2D2AFAF8EA36383357930673EB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LandMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LandMember_3BEA5A63632B478A4F9535793067EA7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_366ED2D2AFAF8EA36383357930673EB2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LandMember_3BEA5A63632B478A4F9535793067EA7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateHeldforsale" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateHeldforsale_AC08995F3D05C740BB4335793067650E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongLivedAssetsHeldForSaleLineItems_70F245F2822DB74BAFA7357930672E43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateHeldforsale_AC08995F3D05C740BB4335793067650E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/RealEstatePartnerships" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/RealEstatePartnershipsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_CCC33C43CA34B3B381FB24A41C7BDD9A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_7E71DC6BC4A86158897024A41C7AC0D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_CCC33C43CA34B3B381FB24A41C7BDD9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_7E71DC6BC4A86158897024A41C7AC0D4" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_80DF046780E68C4032BF24A41C7AD12E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_7E71DC6BC4A86158897024A41C7AC0D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_80DF046780E68C4032BF24A41C7AD12E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2970E93D2448D658DCA024A41C7A1989_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_80DF046780E68C4032BF24A41C7AD12E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2970E93D2448D658DCA024A41C7A1989_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2970E93D2448D658DCA024A41C7A1989" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_80DF046780E68C4032BF24A41C7AD12E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2970E93D2448D658DCA024A41C7A1989" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_ClarionMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_ClarionMember_879DD8C1517E360E286E24A41C7A89B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2970E93D2448D658DCA024A41C7A1989" xlink:to="loc_frt_ClarionMember_879DD8C1517E360E286E24A41C7A89B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis_DBEBE251F8BDC2B0A01224A41C7AFC57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_7E71DC6BC4A86158897024A41C7AC0D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis_DBEBE251F8BDC2B0A01224A41C7AFC57" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_E0148DE272D7614AA3DC24A41C7A5C81_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis_DBEBE251F8BDC2B0A01224A41C7AFC57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_E0148DE272D7614AA3DC24A41C7A5C81_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_E0148DE272D7614AA3DC24A41C7A5C81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis_DBEBE251F8BDC2B0A01224A41C7AFC57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_E0148DE272D7614AA3DC24A41C7A5C81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_FederalRealtyInvestmentTrustINGClarionPartnersPartnershipMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_FederalRealtyInvestmentTrustINGClarionPartnersPartnershipMember_EC5ECA9303215EE9BFBF24A41C7AD6DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_E0148DE272D7614AA3DC24A41C7A5C81" xlink:to="loc_frt_FederalRealtyInvestmentTrustINGClarionPartnersPartnershipMember_EC5ECA9303215EE9BFBF24A41C7AD6DE" 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_C839EF9B5F06ACE29A0124A41C7A722E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_7E71DC6BC4A86158897024A41C7AC0D4" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_C839EF9B5F06ACE29A0124A41C7A722E" 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_4F7FBB7859900702DCE424A41C7AA90C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_C839EF9B5F06ACE29A0124A41C7A722E" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4F7FBB7859900702DCE424A41C7AA90C_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_4F7FBB7859900702DCE424A41C7AA90C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_C839EF9B5F06ACE29A0124A41C7A722E" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4F7FBB7859900702DCE424A41C7AA90C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_ClarionMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_ClarionMember_0967CECFB5CA0F84A2FF24A41C7A0C60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4F7FBB7859900702DCE424A41C7AA90C" xlink:to="loc_frt_ClarionMember_0967CECFB5CA0F84A2FF24A41C7A0C60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_FederalRealtyInvestmentTrustMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_FederalRealtyInvestmentTrustMember_866057C7F7566D02575424A41C7AC7B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4F7FBB7859900702DCE424A41C7AA90C" xlink:to="loc_frt_FederalRealtyInvestmentTrustMember_866057C7F7566D02575424A41C7AC7B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_FederalRealtyInvestmentTrustINGClarionPartnersPartnershipMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_FederalRealtyInvestmentTrustINGClarionPartnersPartnershipMember_6011A427AB155C520B2B24A41C7A9D4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4F7FBB7859900702DCE424A41C7AA90C" xlink:to="loc_frt_FederalRealtyInvestmentTrustINGClarionPartnersPartnershipMember_6011A427AB155C520B2B24A41C7A9D4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_040741E7EFA18AD68F0A24A41C7B6962" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_7E71DC6BC4A86158897024A41C7AC0D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_040741E7EFA18AD68F0A24A41C7B6962" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_CF99DCDF8C519544B08C24A41C7BB4D7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_040741E7EFA18AD68F0A24A41C7B6962" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_CF99DCDF8C519544B08C24A41C7BB4D7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_CF99DCDF8C519544B08C24A41C7BB4D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_040741E7EFA18AD68F0A24A41C7B6962" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_CF99DCDF8C519544B08C24A41C7BB4D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_FederalRealtyInvestmentTrustINGClarionPartnersPartnershipMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_FederalRealtyInvestmentTrustINGClarionPartnersPartnershipMember_BADBAEF2C138D43CBB2A24A41C7B911E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_CF99DCDF8C519544B08C24A41C7BB4D7" xlink:to="loc_frt_FederalRealtyInvestmentTrustINGClarionPartnersPartnershipMember_BADBAEF2C138D43CBB2A24A41C7B911E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_243034FC8D6C4B482DD224A41C7BF204" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_CCC33C43CA34B3B381FB24A41C7BDD9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_243034FC8D6C4B482DD224A41C7BF204" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_EffectiveInterestAcquisition" xlink:label="loc_frt_EffectiveInterestAcquisition_0A6E1F3CA1DD2C37FAAD24A41C7B4408" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_CCC33C43CA34B3B381FB24A41C7BDD9A" xlink:to="loc_frt_EffectiveInterestAcquisition_0A6E1F3CA1DD2C37FAAD24A41C7B4408" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties_202BABEEDCF3B35F907624A41C7BD15A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_CCC33C43CA34B3B381FB24A41C7BDD9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties_202BABEEDCF3B35F907624A41C7BD15A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfSecuredDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfSecuredDebt_39D1C70299815BD4E62324A41C7BFEF4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_CCC33C43CA34B3B381FB24A41C7BDD9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfSecuredDebt_39D1C70299815BD4E62324A41C7BFEF4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromPartnershipContribution" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPartnershipContribution_A723EAFD63690DDDBCC024A41C7BC9E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_CCC33C43CA34B3B381FB24A41C7BDD9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPartnershipContribution_A723EAFD63690DDDBCC024A41C7BC9E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInJointVenture" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInJointVenture_E1E8410B1B52B0089A7324A41C7B9B6C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_CCC33C43CA34B3B381FB24A41C7BDD9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInJointVenture_E1E8410B1B52B0089A7324A41C7B9B6C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesOfRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalesOfRealEstate_BBEA21CAED4F70E3F2B024A41C7BBF95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_CCC33C43CA34B3B381FB24A41C7BDD9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalesOfRealEstate_BBEA21CAED4F70E3F2B024A41C7BBF95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertiesNetOfApplicableIncomeTaxes" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertiesNetOfApplicableIncomeTaxes_FE1779180633FCED5B4F24A41C7BAF09" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_CCC33C43CA34B3B381FB24A41C7BDD9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertiesNetOfApplicableIncomeTaxes_FE1779180633FCED5B4F24A41C7BAF09" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromRealEstatePartnershipInvestmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromRealEstatePartnershipInvestmentNet_251C09547A7ADF3626D224A41C7B260C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_CCC33C43CA34B3B381FB24A41C7BDD9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromRealEstatePartnershipInvestmentNet_251C09547A7ADF3626D224A41C7B260C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/RealEstatePartnershipsSummarizedOperatingResultsAndFinancialPositionOfPartnershipDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_B9C4540B6D2FC0C23058BC67969B3368" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_D5C9070231DB2C05DB96BC67969A6A42" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_B9C4540B6D2FC0C23058BC67969B3368" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_D5C9070231DB2C05DB96BC67969A6A42" 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_0E52B7AD0AA94C57E3ABBC67969A980A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_D5C9070231DB2C05DB96BC67969A6A42" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_0E52B7AD0AA94C57E3ABBC67969A980A" 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_96DB05A86EA4B6102D8FBC67969AC60E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_0E52B7AD0AA94C57E3ABBC67969A980A" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_96DB05A86EA4B6102D8FBC67969AC60E_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_96DB05A86EA4B6102D8FBC67969AC60E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_0E52B7AD0AA94C57E3ABBC67969A980A" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_96DB05A86EA4B6102D8FBC67969AC60E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_FederalRealtyInvestmentTrustMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_FederalRealtyInvestmentTrustMember_2BD418AE0270A7896569BC67969AFEDD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_96DB05A86EA4B6102D8FBC67969AC60E" xlink:to="loc_frt_FederalRealtyInvestmentTrustMember_2BD418AE0270A7896569BC67969AFEDD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_DCC3F76D38D9500B2D3DBC67969A6290" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_D5C9070231DB2C05DB96BC67969A6A42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_DCC3F76D38D9500B2D3DBC67969A6290" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_E7B4D5F458E42DF85110BC67969A9447_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_DCC3F76D38D9500B2D3DBC67969A6290" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_E7B4D5F458E42DF85110BC67969A9447_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_E7B4D5F458E42DF85110BC67969A9447" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_DCC3F76D38D9500B2D3DBC67969A6290" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_E7B4D5F458E42DF85110BC67969A9447" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_FederalRealtyInvestmentTrustINGClarionPartnersPartnershipMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_FederalRealtyInvestmentTrustINGClarionPartnersPartnershipMember_E41624D484564DDD0572BC67969AEBB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_E7B4D5F458E42DF85110BC67969A9447" xlink:to="loc_frt_FederalRealtyInvestmentTrustINGClarionPartnersPartnershipMember_E41624D484564DDD0572BC67969AEBB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationIncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationIncomeStatementAbstract_9F68BA1C8577CEE26A01BC67969B9619" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_B9C4540B6D2FC0C23058BC67969B3368" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationIncomeStatementAbstract_9F68BA1C8577CEE26A01BC67969B9619" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_BE17D560AE7488AB4568BC67969B63EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationIncomeStatementAbstract_9F68BA1C8577CEE26A01BC67969B9619" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_BE17D560AE7488AB4568BC67969B63EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherExpenses_94A3C098ACD2496C2042BC67969B4380" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationIncomeStatementAbstract_9F68BA1C8577CEE26A01BC67969B9619" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherExpenses_94A3C098ACD2496C2042BC67969B4380" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization_055C6CA4C6C45BBAD778BC67969B8F4A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationIncomeStatementAbstract_9F68BA1C8577CEE26A01BC67969B9619" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization_055C6CA4C6C45BBAD778BC67969B8F4A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_7DC01512C12D83E2B9B5BC67969BEA03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationIncomeStatementAbstract_9F68BA1C8577CEE26A01BC67969B9619" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_7DC01512C12D83E2B9B5BC67969BEA03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_TotalExpenses" xlink:label="loc_frt_TotalExpenses_57A8146031F2846EE079BC67969B2F2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationIncomeStatementAbstract_9F68BA1C8577CEE26A01BC67969B9619" xlink:to="loc_frt_TotalExpenses_57A8146031F2846EE079BC67969B2F2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossBeforeGainOrLossOnSaleOfPropertiesExtraordinaryItemsAndCumulativeEffectsOfAccountingChanges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossBeforeGainOrLossOnSaleOfPropertiesExtraordinaryItemsAndCumulativeEffectsOfAccountingChanges_52AC909EADC897B1EB6CBC67969B682E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationIncomeStatementAbstract_9F68BA1C8577CEE26A01BC67969B9619" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossBeforeGainOrLossOnSaleOfPropertiesExtraordinaryItemsAndCumulativeEffectsOfAccountingChanges_52AC909EADC897B1EB6CBC67969B682E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertiesNetOfApplicableIncomeTaxes" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertiesNetOfApplicableIncomeTaxes_07AC6D4C634A6A58DC6ABC67969BA29A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationIncomeStatementAbstract_9F68BA1C8577CEE26A01BC67969B9619" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertiesNetOfApplicableIncomeTaxes_07AC6D4C634A6A58DC6ABC67969BA29A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_0E33C12F458FE1B66101BC67969BED8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationIncomeStatementAbstract_9F68BA1C8577CEE26A01BC67969B9619" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_0E33C12F458FE1B66101BC67969BED8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_IncomeLossfromEquityInvestmentbeforegainonsalefromrealestatepartnership" xlink:label="loc_frt_IncomeLossfromEquityInvestmentbeforegainonsalefromrealestatepartnership_75214CF721A0CA1CD8F7BC67969BDD8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationIncomeStatementAbstract_9F68BA1C8577CEE26A01BC67969B9619" xlink:to="loc_frt_IncomeLossfromEquityInvestmentbeforegainonsalefromrealestatepartnership_75214CF721A0CA1CD8F7BC67969BDD8E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertiesinRealEstatePartnership" xlink:label="loc_frt_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertiesinRealEstatePartnership_1F13B551F7B2429FA55CBC67969B0DA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationIncomeStatementAbstract_9F68BA1C8577CEE26A01BC67969B9619" xlink:to="loc_frt_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertiesinRealEstatePartnership_1F13B551F7B2429FA55CBC67969B0DA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationAssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationAssetsAbstract_957D28709F31A8AB64D2BC67969C6A6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_B9C4540B6D2FC0C23058BC67969B3368" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationAssetsAbstract_957D28709F31A8AB64D2BC67969C6A6D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNet_CC8B81CDD76B87DA5124BC67969CD76A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationAssetsAbstract_957D28709F31A8AB64D2BC67969C6A6D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyNet_CC8B81CDD76B87DA5124BC67969CD76A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_5BF423596D4E033AAD3ABC67969CE9EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationAssetsAbstract_957D28709F31A8AB64D2BC67969C6A6D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_5BF423596D4E033AAD3ABC67969CE9EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_021C8395607EDEFD8D3EBC67969C5AC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationAssetsAbstract_957D28709F31A8AB64D2BC67969C6A6D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_021C8395607EDEFD8D3EBC67969C5AC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_92F6874F8E04809C5176BC67969C2930" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationAssetsAbstract_957D28709F31A8AB64D2BC67969C6A6D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_92F6874F8E04809C5176BC67969C2930" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationLiabilitiesAndEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationLiabilitiesAndEquityAbstract_155BC514ECDA42CF38F3BC67969C00D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_B9C4540B6D2FC0C23058BC67969B3368" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationLiabilitiesAndEquityAbstract_155BC514ECDA42CF38F3BC67969C00D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebt_CBCB37D215527E89FD98BC67969C432C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationLiabilitiesAndEquityAbstract_155BC514ECDA42CF38F3BC67969C00D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebt_CBCB37D215527E89FD98BC67969C432C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_27350B068736E025B189BC67969C1F38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationLiabilitiesAndEquityAbstract_155BC514ECDA42CF38F3BC67969C00D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_27350B068736E025B189BC67969C1F38" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapital" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapital_028DB1952DD6CE952758BC67969C3E6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationLiabilitiesAndEquityAbstract_155BC514ECDA42CF38F3BC67969C00D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapital_028DB1952DD6CE952758BC67969C3E6B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_0531DC468D160F4373F1BC67969DE02E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationLiabilitiesAndEquityAbstract_155BC514ECDA42CF38F3BC67969C00D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_0531DC468D160F4373F1BC67969DE02E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_ShareOfUnconsolidatedDebt" xlink:label="loc_frt_ShareOfUnconsolidatedDebt_FA9A6FE5A494BE317D85BC67969D479A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationLiabilitiesAndEquityAbstract_155BC514ECDA42CF38F3BC67969C00D8" xlink:to="loc_frt_ShareOfUnconsolidatedDebt_FA9A6FE5A494BE317D85BC67969D479A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_7EE758D805AEB921CA28BC67969D810E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_B9C4540B6D2FC0C23058BC67969B3368" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_7EE758D805AEB921CA28BC67969D810E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/RealEstatePartnershipsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/RealEstateSignificantAcquisitionsAndDispositionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B1126445C4809EA6A18F24AC1A690DAB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_E419BCF4C70D3355F97524AC1A627B58" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B1126445C4809EA6A18F24AC1A690DAB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_E419BCF4C70D3355F97524AC1A627B58" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_0AA66251AF5A917240FD24AC1A6283B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_E419BCF4C70D3355F97524AC1A627B58" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_0AA66251AF5A917240FD24AC1A6283B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_DDD3BA16276C3950025324AC1A627623_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_0AA66251AF5A917240FD24AC1A6283B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_DDD3BA16276C3950025324AC1A627623_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_DDD3BA16276C3950025324AC1A627623" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_0AA66251AF5A917240FD24AC1A6283B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_DDD3BA16276C3950025324AC1A627623" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_GroveatShrewsburyEastMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_GroveatShrewsburyEastMember_FF6C303B73DD3605458824AC1A6295CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_DDD3BA16276C3950025324AC1A627623" xlink:to="loc_frt_GroveatShrewsburyEastMember_FF6C303B73DD3605458824AC1A6295CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_CocoWalkMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_CocoWalkMember_06808C39AB04D74C5C6724AC1A62CFF0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_DDD3BA16276C3950025324AC1A627623" xlink:to="loc_frt_CocoWalkMember_06808C39AB04D74C5C6724AC1A62CFF0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_SunsetPlaceMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_SunsetPlaceMember_5C7B46C21527EC13403C24AC1A62BC24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_DDD3BA16276C3950025324AC1A627623" xlink:to="loc_frt_SunsetPlaceMember_5C7B46C21527EC13403C24AC1A62BC24" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_DE7E861CFA7AC51BCBB424AC1A62A181" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_E419BCF4C70D3355F97524AC1A627B58" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_DE7E861CFA7AC51BCBB424AC1A62A181" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_E0D66E6D01C0183684EF24AC1A62E031_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_DE7E861CFA7AC51BCBB424AC1A62A181" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_E0D66E6D01C0183684EF24AC1A62E031_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_E0D66E6D01C0183684EF24AC1A62E031" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_DE7E861CFA7AC51BCBB424AC1A62A181" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_E0D66E6D01C0183684EF24AC1A62E031" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LandMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LandMember_20BB559B944846A1F9C624AC1A62854E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_E0D66E6D01C0183684EF24AC1A62E031" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LandMember_20BB559B944846A1F9C624AC1A62854E" 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_8443544A7EB4618D8ADB24AC1A63BBD4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_E419BCF4C70D3355F97524AC1A627B58" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_8443544A7EB4618D8ADB24AC1A63BBD4" 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_39E97AC6DB027601EAA024AC1A63BA6A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_8443544A7EB4618D8ADB24AC1A63BBD4" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_39E97AC6DB027601EAA024AC1A63BA6A_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_39E97AC6DB027601EAA024AC1A63BA6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_8443544A7EB4618D8ADB24AC1A63BBD4" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_39E97AC6DB027601EAA024AC1A63BA6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_CocoWalkMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_CocoWalkMember_7F7B11DE532BAC03606224AC1A633FD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_39E97AC6DB027601EAA024AC1A63BA6A" xlink:to="loc_frt_CocoWalkMember_7F7B11DE532BAC03606224AC1A633FD2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_438348DDB831F06613AF24AC1A63C965" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_E419BCF4C70D3355F97524AC1A627B58" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_438348DDB831F06613AF24AC1A63C965" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_E72370F58D6F0E4E33DB24AC1A631331_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_438348DDB831F06613AF24AC1A63C965" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_E72370F58D6F0E4E33DB24AC1A631331_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_E72370F58D6F0E4E33DB24AC1A631331" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_438348DDB831F06613AF24AC1A63C965" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_E72370F58D6F0E4E33DB24AC1A631331" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember_D420013BEE3D43A03FFE24AC1A63EF5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_E72370F58D6F0E4E33DB24AC1A631331" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember_D420013BEE3D43A03FFE24AC1A63EF5F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_E4FC27E5209A3AD7156324AC1A63D431" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_E419BCF4C70D3355F97524AC1A627B58" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_E4FC27E5209A3AD7156324AC1A63D431" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_928CDDC79AF1510FE1A524AC1A638730_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_E4FC27E5209A3AD7156324AC1A63D431" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_928CDDC79AF1510FE1A524AC1A638730_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_928CDDC79AF1510FE1A524AC1A638730" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_E4FC27E5209A3AD7156324AC1A63D431" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_928CDDC79AF1510FE1A524AC1A638730" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMember_082760F4DFA039471A9F24AC1A635275" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_928CDDC79AF1510FE1A524AC1A638730" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMember_082760F4DFA039471A9F24AC1A635275" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember_C7F41A97971BFFE3354124AC1A63D475" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_928CDDC79AF1510FE1A524AC1A638730" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember_C7F41A97971BFFE3354124AC1A63D475" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_DCADC6900F53DCFCC4F124AC1A63B70D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_E419BCF4C70D3355F97524AC1A627B58" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_DCADC6900F53DCFCC4F124AC1A63B70D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_A731CD5F5CB498D4198924AC1A63E834_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_DCADC6900F53DCFCC4F124AC1A63B70D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_A731CD5F5CB498D4198924AC1A63E834_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_A731CD5F5CB498D4198924AC1A63E834" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_DCADC6900F53DCFCC4F124AC1A63B70D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_A731CD5F5CB498D4198924AC1A63E834" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AboveMarketLeasesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AboveMarketLeasesMember_A88E26DF17125F9D946324AC1A637EC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_A731CD5F5CB498D4198924AC1A63E834" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AboveMarketLeasesMember_A88E26DF17125F9D946324AC1A637EC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_F79CA977B958514B497F24AC1A63A139" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_E419BCF4C70D3355F97524AC1A627B58" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_F79CA977B958514B497F24AC1A63A139" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_235F57E740EC463D69D724AC1A633C1C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_F79CA977B958514B497F24AC1A63A139" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_235F57E740EC463D69D724AC1A633C1C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_235F57E740EC463D69D724AC1A633C1C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_F79CA977B958514B497F24AC1A63A139" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_235F57E740EC463D69D724AC1A633C1C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_ClarionMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_ClarionMember_AE5669CF0AA992A7710B24AC1A64D87C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_235F57E740EC463D69D724AC1A633C1C" xlink:to="loc_frt_ClarionMember_AE5669CF0AA992A7710B24AC1A64D87C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_AbuildingadjacenttoourBarcroftPlazapropertyMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_AbuildingadjacenttoourBarcroftPlazapropertyMember_E9907D1D9F295213780B24AC1A64C8C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_235F57E740EC463D69D724AC1A633C1C" xlink:to="loc_frt_AbuildingadjacenttoourBarcroftPlazapropertyMember_E9907D1D9F295213780B24AC1A64C8C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_SanAntonioCenterMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_SanAntonioCenterMember_2A5364A1CFA76C4A0F1724AC1A64D78A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_235F57E740EC463D69D724AC1A633C1C" xlink:to="loc_frt_SanAntonioCenterMember_2A5364A1CFA76C4A0F1724AC1A64D78A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_CocoWalkMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_CocoWalkMember_17F699ECAC8FB46375ED24AC1A64B12B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_235F57E740EC463D69D724AC1A633C1C" xlink:to="loc_frt_CocoWalkMember_17F699ECAC8FB46375ED24AC1A64B12B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_CoconutGroveMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_CoconutGroveMember_2006990C0CD0E9EFEDC824AC1A64506A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_235F57E740EC463D69D724AC1A633C1C" xlink:to="loc_frt_CoconutGroveMember_2006990C0CD0E9EFEDC824AC1A64506A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_PikeSevenPlazaMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_PikeSevenPlazaMember_45474986AEEA0839A9B024AC1A646358" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_235F57E740EC463D69D724AC1A633C1C" xlink:to="loc_frt_PikeSevenPlazaMember_45474986AEEA0839A9B024AC1A646358" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_SunsetPlaceMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_SunsetPlaceMember_B886D785B3AD84DB68C424AC1A6483B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_235F57E740EC463D69D724AC1A633C1C" xlink:to="loc_frt_SunsetPlaceMember_B886D785B3AD84DB68C424AC1A6483B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_E6C6A0136B7ACE7D776324AC1A643041" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_E419BCF4C70D3355F97524AC1A627B58" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_E6C6A0136B7ACE7D776324AC1A643041" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_D3D443C6512FE7EDE4BF24AC1A64C340_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_E6C6A0136B7ACE7D776324AC1A643041" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_D3D443C6512FE7EDE4BF24AC1A64C340_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_D3D443C6512FE7EDE4BF24AC1A64C340" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_E6C6A0136B7ACE7D776324AC1A643041" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_D3D443C6512FE7EDE4BF24AC1A64C340" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_CoconutGroveMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_CoconutGroveMember_194512D863653190274B24AC1A644EFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_D3D443C6512FE7EDE4BF24AC1A64C340" xlink:to="loc_frt_CoconutGroveMember_194512D863653190274B24AC1A644EFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_HoustonStreetMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_HoustonStreetMember_C04C731C0563D8A3F00924AC1A649408" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_D3D443C6512FE7EDE4BF24AC1A64C340" xlink:to="loc_frt_HoustonStreetMember_C04C731C0563D8A3F00924AC1A649408" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_CourtyardShopsMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_CourtyardShopsMember_D13BA5454A397291DCB624AC1A64F897" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_D3D443C6512FE7EDE4BF24AC1A64C340" xlink:to="loc_frt_CourtyardShopsMember_D13BA5454A397291DCB624AC1A64F897" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_5F93FEB4AD8D29A84B3324AC1A691CC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B1126445C4809EA6A18F24AC1A690DAB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_5F93FEB4AD8D29A84B3324AC1A691CC5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AreaOfRealEstateProperty" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AreaOfRealEstateProperty_0CEC3874ED20AB5EFEDF24AC1A6AE19B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B1126445C4809EA6A18F24AC1A690DAB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AreaOfRealEstateProperty_0CEC3874ED20AB5EFEDF24AC1A6AE19B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_811CBE5D7016CA2A56E024AC1A6AD9E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B1126445C4809EA6A18F24AC1A690DAB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_811CBE5D7016CA2A56E024AC1A6AD9E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_CommonInterestAcquisition" xlink:label="loc_frt_CommonInterestAcquisition_BBBC20EEB9C4D5A4AB7224AC1A6A6BF7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B1126445C4809EA6A18F24AC1A690DAB" xlink:to="loc_frt_CommonInterestAcquisition_BBBC20EEB9C4D5A4AB7224AC1A6A6BF7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_BusinessAcquisitionGrossValue" xlink:label="loc_frt_BusinessAcquisitionGrossValue_419A6B44C4B19318BCCB24AC1A6A16F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B1126445C4809EA6A18F24AC1A690DAB" xlink:to="loc_frt_BusinessAcquisitionGrossValue_419A6B44C4B19318BCCB24AC1A6A16F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_EffectiveInterestAcquisition" xlink:label="loc_frt_EffectiveInterestAcquisition_D1131882B0BB3942A9DF24AC1A6A2E49" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B1126445C4809EA6A18F24AC1A690DAB" xlink:to="loc_frt_EffectiveInterestAcquisition_D1131882B0BB3942A9DF24AC1A6A2E49" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_NumberofdownREITOperatingPartnershipUnitsIssuedinConnectionwithBusinessAcquisition" xlink:label="loc_frt_NumberofdownREITOperatingPartnershipUnitsIssuedinConnectionwithBusinessAcquisition_F1DBF0348B17D11942B724AC1A6A5736" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B1126445C4809EA6A18F24AC1A690DAB" xlink:to="loc_frt_NumberofdownREITOperatingPartnershipUnitsIssuedinConnectionwithBusinessAcquisition_F1DBF0348B17D11942B724AC1A6A5736" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_D0D1357E70056AE9E5F124AC1A6AFC9A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B1126445C4809EA6A18F24AC1A690DAB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_D0D1357E70056AE9E5F124AC1A6AFC9A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionDebtAssumed1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionDebtAssumed1_C4BF5A636A5EBE88158424AC1A6AACF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B1126445C4809EA6A18F24AC1A690DAB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionDebtAssumed1_C4BF5A636A5EBE88158424AC1A6AACF8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties_7DF5872BA3D784D3B35B24AC1A6A602B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B1126445C4809EA6A18F24AC1A690DAB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties_7DF5872BA3D784D3B35B24AC1A6A602B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeRemeasurementGain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeRemeasurementGain_1014355BC20628CB17EB24AC1A6A809C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B1126445C4809EA6A18F24AC1A690DAB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeRemeasurementGain_1014355BC20628CB17EB24AC1A6A809C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_PricetoAcquireNonControllingInterest" xlink:label="loc_frt_PricetoAcquireNonControllingInterest_11CA2432208D7CD19ED224AC1A6A9F2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B1126445C4809EA6A18F24AC1A690DAB" xlink:to="loc_frt_PricetoAcquireNonControllingInterest_11CA2432208D7CD19ED224AC1A6A9F2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_Ownershipinterest" xlink:label="loc_frt_Ownershipinterest_95AAA067B516E77CB43624AC1A6AE629" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B1126445C4809EA6A18F24AC1A690DAB" xlink:to="loc_frt_Ownershipinterest_95AAA067B516E77CB43624AC1A6AE629" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAcquired1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAcquired1_719270416CDFC34EE28724AC1A6A64DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B1126445C4809EA6A18F24AC1A690DAB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAcquired1_719270416CDFC34EE28724AC1A6A64DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAcquired_0C3CBA5ECEB24C397C7F24AC1A6A43D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B1126445C4809EA6A18F24AC1A690DAB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAcquired_0C3CBA5ECEB24C397C7F24AC1A6A43D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination_340D70E828C8E7DE2AC624AC1A6A2A57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B1126445C4809EA6A18F24AC1A690DAB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination_340D70E828C8E7DE2AC624AC1A6A2A57" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesOfRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalesOfRealEstate_C5E973DE79C5F552791224AC1A6A33A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B1126445C4809EA6A18F24AC1A690DAB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalesOfRealEstate_C5E973DE79C5F552791224AC1A6A33A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertiesNetOfApplicableIncomeTaxes" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertiesNetOfApplicableIncomeTaxes_25A28FF0FD15793D05EA24AC1A6A3660" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B1126445C4809EA6A18F24AC1A690DAB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertiesNetOfApplicableIncomeTaxes_25A28FF0FD15793D05EA24AC1A6A3660" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_NumberOfBuildings" xlink:label="loc_frt_NumberOfBuildings_2DFF7B0436DCD06E798324AC1A6BFF70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B1126445C4809EA6A18F24AC1A690DAB" xlink:to="loc_frt_NumberOfBuildings_2DFF7B0436DCD06E798324AC1A6BFF70" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_503C88147A058456437524AC1A6B2773" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B1126445C4809EA6A18F24AC1A690DAB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_503C88147A058456437524AC1A6B2773" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_Gainlossonsaleofrealestatenetofnoncontrollinginterests" xlink:label="loc_frt_Gainlossonsaleofrealestatenetofnoncontrollinginterests_483656811F9DFB9BC91024AC1A6BB290" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B1126445C4809EA6A18F24AC1A690DAB" xlink:to="loc_frt_Gainlossonsaleofrealestatenetofnoncontrollinginterests_483656811F9DFB9BC91024AC1A6BB290" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/RealEstateSummaryOfRealEstateInvestmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_BCA591F4C5B7E937A00AF41FDEBD8FDE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTable_067219F384240E4FE8C6F41FDEBC410C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_BCA591F4C5B7E937A00AF41FDEBD8FDE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTable_067219F384240E4FE8C6F41FDEBC410C" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_B3A8D06AF9B9197BFA2BF41FDEBC60BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTable_067219F384240E4FE8C6F41FDEBC410C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_B3A8D06AF9B9197BFA2BF41FDEBC60BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_FD692379A216115FB0C5F41FDEBC3890_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_B3A8D06AF9B9197BFA2BF41FDEBC60BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_FD692379A216115FB0C5F41FDEBC3890_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_FD692379A216115FB0C5F41FDEBC3890" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_B3A8D06AF9B9197BFA2BF41FDEBC60BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_FD692379A216115FB0C5F41FDEBC3890" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_CourtyardShopsMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_CourtyardShopsMember_425119F2B6649002C004F41FDEBCEF03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_FD692379A216115FB0C5F41FDEBC3890" xlink:to="loc_frt_CourtyardShopsMember_425119F2B6649002C004F41FDEBCEF03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_RealEstateInvestmentsByPropertyTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_frt_RealEstateInvestmentsByPropertyTypeAxis_A17D7B12766342213546F41FDEBC696E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTable_067219F384240E4FE8C6F41FDEBC410C" xlink:to="loc_frt_RealEstateInvestmentsByPropertyTypeAxis_A17D7B12766342213546F41FDEBC696E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_RealEstateInvestmentsPropertyTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_frt_RealEstateInvestmentsPropertyTypeDomain_F3C371AE1452B36E90DBF41FDEBC66C8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_frt_RealEstateInvestmentsByPropertyTypeAxis_A17D7B12766342213546F41FDEBC696E" xlink:to="loc_frt_RealEstateInvestmentsPropertyTypeDomain_F3C371AE1452B36E90DBF41FDEBC66C8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_RealEstateInvestmentsPropertyTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_frt_RealEstateInvestmentsPropertyTypeDomain_F3C371AE1452B36E90DBF41FDEBC66C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_frt_RealEstateInvestmentsByPropertyTypeAxis_A17D7B12766342213546F41FDEBC696E" xlink:to="loc_frt_RealEstateInvestmentsPropertyTypeDomain_F3C371AE1452B36E90DBF41FDEBC66C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_RetailAndMixedUsePropertiesMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_RetailAndMixedUsePropertiesMember_883D123A2A69651815BCF41FDEBC5C8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_frt_RealEstateInvestmentsPropertyTypeDomain_F3C371AE1452B36E90DBF41FDEBC66C8" xlink:to="loc_frt_RetailAndMixedUsePropertiesMember_883D123A2A69651815BCF41FDEBC5C8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_RetailPropertiesUnderCapitalLeasesMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_RetailPropertiesUnderCapitalLeasesMember_2AEAD8734D75EC856D98F41FDEBDA7DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_frt_RealEstateInvestmentsPropertyTypeDomain_F3C371AE1452B36E90DBF41FDEBC66C8" xlink:to="loc_frt_RetailPropertiesUnderCapitalLeasesMember_2AEAD8734D75EC856D98F41FDEBDA7DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember_6F94AFD65535683EB425F41FDEBD2822" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_frt_RealEstateInvestmentsPropertyTypeDomain_F3C371AE1452B36E90DBF41FDEBC66C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialRealEstateMember_6F94AFD65535683EB425F41FDEBD2822" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAtCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAtCost_8BCB72DF59C9D8305AA6F41FDEBDEB83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_BCA591F4C5B7E937A00AF41FDEBD8FDE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAtCost_8BCB72DF59C9D8305AA6F41FDEBDEB83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAccumulatedDepreciation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAccumulatedDepreciation_926B04E1781E45C7D76BF41FDEBDF7E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_BCA591F4C5B7E937A00AF41FDEBD8FDE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentPropertyAccumulatedDepreciation_926B04E1781E45C7D76BF41FDEBDF7E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances_C66C304EB64FBE280C96F41FDEBD36AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesLineItems_BCA591F4C5B7E937A00AF41FDEBD8FDE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances_C66C304EB64FBE280C96F41FDEBD36AD" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/RealEstateTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SavingsAndRetirementPlans" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SavingsAndRetirementPlansDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPostretirementBenefitsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_4647BA31CFA66626309521622B49A02A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPostretirementBenefitsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPostretirementBenefitsTable_A07B20A4986328A2DCED21622B497ABA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_4647BA31CFA66626309521622B49A02A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPostretirementBenefitsTable_A07B20A4986328A2DCED21622B497ABA" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_406D03D689FCDC3E8F3821622B49D602" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPostretirementBenefitsTable_A07B20A4986328A2DCED21622B497ABA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_406D03D689FCDC3E8F3821622B49D602" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_50977B46B35CA68ED9BD21622B49B29E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_406D03D689FCDC3E8F3821622B49D602" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_50977B46B35CA68ED9BD21622B49B29E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_50977B46B35CA68ED9BD21622B49B29E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_406D03D689FCDC3E8F3821622B49D602" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_50977B46B35CA68ED9BD21622B49B29E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_D5330FB08EB499B0FD3921622B496524" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_50977B46B35CA68ED9BD21622B49B29E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_D5330FB08EB499B0FD3921622B496524" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPostretirementBenefitsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPostretirementBenefitsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis_211AC3948B444631DF2C21622B499275" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPostretirementBenefitsTable_A07B20A4986328A2DCED21622B497ABA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPostretirementBenefitsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis_211AC3948B444631DF2C21622B499275" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain_7BA21B32487794FB0D0D21622B49069F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPostretirementBenefitsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis_211AC3948B444631DF2C21622B499275" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain_7BA21B32487794FB0D0D21622B49069F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain_7BA21B32487794FB0D0D21622B49069F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPostretirementBenefitsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis_211AC3948B444631DF2C21622B499275" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain_7BA21B32487794FB0D0D21622B49069F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_A7225BFE49366B2E63C521622B49479C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain_7BA21B32487794FB0D0D21622B49069F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_A7225BFE49366B2E63C521622B49479C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualByTypeOfCompensationPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualByTypeOfCompensationPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsMember_00E8E94569103B6E2FC221622B49B7EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain_7BA21B32487794FB0D0D21622B49069F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualByTypeOfCompensationPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsMember_00E8E94569103B6E2FC221622B49B7EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanMaximumAnnualContributionsPerEmployeeAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanMaximumAnnualContributionsPerEmployeeAmount_CF345D141D52CAB9D59521622B495DB5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_4647BA31CFA66626309521622B49A02A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanMaximumAnnualContributionsPerEmployeeAmount_CF345D141D52CAB9D59521622B495DB5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualEmployerContributionPerEmployeeMatchingPercent" xlink:label="loc_frt_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualEmployerContributionPerEmployeeMatchingPercent_47A731409A84E7F9761D21622B49B7E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_4647BA31CFA66626309521622B49A02A" xlink:to="loc_frt_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualEmployerContributionPerEmployeeMatchingPercent_47A731409A84E7F9761D21622B49B7E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionPercent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionPercent_83D192E894798752892C21622B4A5413" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_4647BA31CFA66626309521622B49A02A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionPercent_83D192E894798752892C21622B4A5413" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualEmployerContribution" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualEmployerContribution_BC1882BA1055C769A7DB21622B4A5E5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_4647BA31CFA66626309521622B49A02A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualEmployerContribution_BC1882BA1055C769A7DB21622B4A5E5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualRecordedLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualRecordedLiability_90F42FAA404C908EA26C21622B4A1D39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualPostretirementBenefitsLineItems_4647BA31CFA66626309521622B49A02A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualRecordedLiability_90F42FAA404C908EA26C21622B4A1D39" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ScheduleIiiPartIiSummaryOfRealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ScheduleIiiPartIiSummaryOfRealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ScheduleIiiSummaryOfRealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ScheduleIiiSummaryOfRealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationLineItems_7D246B23B2F6B1C78C6C1A0ABD0DB993" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationByPropertyTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationByPropertyTable_17562BD4094E24C94EDE1A0ABD03164E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationLineItems_7D246B23B2F6B1C78C6C1A0ABD0DB993" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationByPropertyTable_17562BD4094E24C94EDE1A0ABD03164E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_EF37F27E8183180ACD5B1A0ABD035255" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationByPropertyTable_17562BD4094E24C94EDE1A0ABD03164E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_EF37F27E8183180ACD5B1A0ABD035255" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_EF37F27E8183180ACD5B1A0ABD035255" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_EF37F27E8183180ACD5B1A0ABD035255" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_PostStreet150Member" xlink:label="loc_frt_PostStreet150Member_CDE1C6AAB07FEDBF55E11A0ABD033767" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_PostStreet150Member_CDE1C6AAB07FEDBF55E11A0ABD033767" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_A29thPlaceMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_A29thPlaceMember_412255423DAB75E2F1B91A0ABD03BD74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_A29thPlaceMember_412255423DAB75E2F1B91A0ABD03BD74" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_AndorraMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_AndorraMember_59A98BA83EF7D2C825DA1A0ABD04F2A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_AndorraMember_59A98BA83EF7D2C825DA1A0ABD04F2A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_AssemblySquareMarketPlaceAssemblyRowMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_AssemblySquareMarketPlaceAssemblyRowMember_7C5B9EEA526ADAE4B1161A0ABD047FD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_AssemblySquareMarketPlaceAssemblyRowMember_7C5B9EEA526ADAE4B1161A0ABD047FD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_AtlanticPlazaMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_AtlanticPlazaMember_A9327A4388FD35D886CE1A1000B2521B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_AtlanticPlazaMember_A9327A4388FD35D886CE1A1000B2521B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_BalaCynwydMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_BalaCynwydMember_40B4571DBEFB2706A0A11A0ABD040770" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_BalaCynwydMember_40B4571DBEFB2706A0A11A0ABD040770" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_BarcroftPlazaMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_BarcroftPlazaMember_3DB5F407E2C5E8326C5D1A108246B731" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_BarcroftPlazaMember_3DB5F407E2C5E8326C5D1A108246B731" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_BarracksRoadMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_BarracksRoadMember_A76D0C58E9CC020516831A0ABD04DDE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_BarracksRoadMember_A76D0C58E9CC020516831A0ABD04DDE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_BethesdaRowMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_BethesdaRowMember_15796E22483AA68389DC1A0ABD0438B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_BethesdaRowMember_15796E22483AA68389DC1A0ABD0438B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_BrickPlazaMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_BrickPlazaMember_DAEB0D90E6C180B45C271A0ABD0452E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_BrickPlazaMember_DAEB0D90E6C180B45C271A0ABD0452E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_BristolMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_BristolMember_58AC883C72BC2682EA4F1A0ABD04BEE3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_BristolMember_58AC883C72BC2682EA4F1A0ABD04BEE3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_Brook35Member" xlink:label="loc_frt_Brook35Member_0D54CA5D3A47F904043A1A0ABD05813A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_Brook35Member_0D54CA5D3A47F904043A1A0ABD05813A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_CampusPlazaMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_CampusPlazaMember_9727AD4B0C062A647E991A10C5ECD36D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_CampusPlazaMember_9727AD4B0C062A647E991A10C5ECD36D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_ChelseaMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_ChelseaMember_AE9A7D42BE057B832BCA1A0ABD05B3E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_ChelseaMember_AE9A7D42BE057B832BCA1A0ABD05B3E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_CocoWalkMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_CocoWalkMember_61647E89193E06623B581A0ABD053445" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_CocoWalkMember_61647E89193E06623B581A0ABD053445" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_ColoradoBlvdMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_ColoradoBlvdMember_ECC03B0A82B23BCD90611A0ABD057AD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_ColoradoBlvdMember_ECC03B0A82B23BCD90611A0ABD057AD8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_CongressionalPlazaMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_CongressionalPlazaMember_747344FB06227A15C6921A0ABD0541C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_CongressionalPlazaMember_747344FB06227A15C6921A0ABD0541C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_CourthouseCenterMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_CourthouseCenterMember_860245ECBFC1166BC4F01A0ABD051C15" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_CourthouseCenterMember_860245ECBFC1166BC4F01A0ABD051C15" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_CrossroadsMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_CrossroadsMember_D3FD096F25BCB084BAD41A0ABD056B7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_CrossroadsMember_D3FD096F25BCB084BAD41A0ABD056B7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_CrowCanyonMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_CrowCanyonMember_3240F9849779961A91AF1A0ABD05043A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_CrowCanyonMember_3240F9849779961A91AF1A0ABD05043A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_DarienMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_DarienMember_E89C649AD3353E06597F1A0ABD0524F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_DarienMember_E89C649AD3353E06597F1A0ABD0524F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_DedhamPlazaMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_DedhamPlazaMember_F5C41B9A6C3BE0C2638E1A0ABD05B112" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_DedhamPlazaMember_F5C41B9A6C3BE0C2638E1A0ABD05B112" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_DelMarVillageMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_DelMarVillageMember_0115BBF45BF66F34F6EB1A0ABD05E49E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_DelMarVillageMember_0115BBF45BF66F34F6EB1A0ABD05E49E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_EastBayBridgeMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_EastBayBridgeMember_CC0A8698D5A228E047151A0ABD066D18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="24" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_EastBayBridgeMember_CC0A8698D5A228E047151A0ABD066D18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_EastgateMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_EastgateMember_1C4478D6B0954C9CB13A1A0ABD06C472" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="25" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_EastgateMember_1C4478D6B0954C9CB13A1A0ABD06C472" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_ElllisburgCircleMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_ElllisburgCircleMember_089F8BD677D431D33DFB1A0ABD068A9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="26" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_ElllisburgCircleMember_089F8BD677D431D33DFB1A0ABD068A9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_EscondidoPromenadeMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_EscondidoPromenadeMember_678A92E308685BE1499F1A0ABD066F04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="27" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_EscondidoPromenadeMember_678A92E308685BE1499F1A0ABD066F04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_FallsPlazaMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_FallsPlazaMember_26AA32C604FB945A01AA1A0ABD06A097" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="28" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_FallsPlazaMember_26AA32C604FB945A01AA1A0ABD06A097" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_FederalPlazaMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_FederalPlazaMember_8CB570AB4E2BDDDBE1D81A0ABD06C6B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="29" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_FederalPlazaMember_8CB570AB4E2BDDDBE1D81A0ABD06C6B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_FinleySquareMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_FinleySquareMember_0011CEE70E8C32F9A5771A0ABD06D4E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="30" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_FinleySquareMember_0011CEE70E8C32F9A5771A0ABD06D4E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_FlourtownMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_FlourtownMember_D8A20BCF02269E0865121A0ABD0614A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="31" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_FlourtownMember_D8A20BCF02269E0865121A0ABD0614A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_FreeStateShoppingCenterMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_FreeStateShoppingCenterMember_39DBAABDB79FDB2799391A118481BF20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="32" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_FreeStateShoppingCenterMember_39DBAABDB79FDB2799391A118481BF20" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_FreshMeadowsMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_FreshMeadowsMember_1C976E621749020120251A0ABD06133E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="33" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_FreshMeadowsMember_1C976E621749020120251A0ABD06133E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_FriendshipCtrMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_FriendshipCtrMember_95C8777829141DDA33CC1A0ABD075C3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="34" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_FriendshipCtrMember_95C8777829141DDA33CC1A0ABD075C3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_GaithersburgSquareMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_GaithersburgSquareMember_E7D28A5DE33AD5A0F93F1A0ABD0755DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="35" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_GaithersburgSquareMember_E7D28A5DE33AD5A0F93F1A0ABD0755DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_GardenMarketMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_GardenMarketMember_E85A4C5B95E1926B83531A0ABD074C16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="36" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_GardenMarketMember_E85A4C5B95E1926B83531A0ABD074C16" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_GovernorPlazaMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_GovernorPlazaMember_C08B879E5BA5C46936811A0ABD078FE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="37" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_GovernorPlazaMember_C08B879E5BA5C46936811A0ABD078FE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_GrahamParkMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_GrahamParkMember_F0A2C7DE0FDB18ECB3FE1A0ABD078B8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="38" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_GrahamParkMember_F0A2C7DE0FDB18ECB3FE1A0ABD078B8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_GratiotPlazaMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_GratiotPlazaMember_7C62F7467A9C7DBF5E451A0ABD076C4A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="39" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_GratiotPlazaMember_7C62F7467A9C7DBF5E451A0ABD076C4A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_GreenlawnPlazaMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_GreenlawnPlazaMember_9C1B06C15D6BB60E6F421A120B442F57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="40" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_GreenlawnPlazaMember_9C1B06C15D6BB60E6F421A120B442F57" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_GreenwichAvenueMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_GreenwichAvenueMember_32821249D57B649E6BDE1A0ABD0787BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="41" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_GreenwichAvenueMember_32821249D57B649E6BDE1A0ABD0787BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_HauppaugeMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_HauppaugeMember_BCDAEE1F7F13797B522B1A0ABD070649" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="42" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_HauppaugeMember_BCDAEE1F7F13797B522B1A0ABD070649" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_HermosaAveMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_HermosaAveMember_C5B11F1EE5D37FD8662D1A0ABD07906C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="43" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_HermosaAveMember_C5B11F1EE5D37FD8662D1A0ABD07906C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_HollywoodBlvdMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_HollywoodBlvdMember_F8A8FDF8EE941344FB5B1A0ABD07916D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="44" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_HollywoodBlvdMember_F8A8FDF8EE941344FB5B1A0ABD07916D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_HuntingtonMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_HuntingtonMember_9B50013A6235D4028A181A0ABD07E6A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="45" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_HuntingtonMember_9B50013A6235D4028A181A0ABD07E6A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_HuntingtonsquareMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_HuntingtonsquareMember_B8BB933F0B090FF9C08E1A0ABD0787B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="46" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_HuntingtonsquareMember_B8BB933F0B090FF9C08E1A0ABD0787B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_IdylwoodPlazaMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_IdylwoodPlazaMember_67DD5CAB358578B9BA121A0ABD0764CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="47" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_IdylwoodPlazaMember_67DD5CAB358578B9BA121A0ABD0764CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_KingsCourtMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_KingsCourtMember_45A28073EB830C5459661A0ABD08C9A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="48" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_KingsCourtMember_45A28073EB830C5459661A0ABD08C9A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_LancasterMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_LancasterMember_76C0F399E9229D20896F1A0ABD085F35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="49" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_LancasterMember_76C0F399E9229D20896F1A0ABD085F35" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_LanghorneSquareMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_LanghorneSquareMember_814804302F1C7A3A66281A0ABD08F7AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="50" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_LanghorneSquareMember_814804302F1C7A3A66281A0ABD08F7AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_LaurelMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_LaurelMember_65065DF7CA7DCAE289FC1A0ABD084DB3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="51" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_LaurelMember_65065DF7CA7DCAE289FC1A0ABD084DB3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_LawrenceParkMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_LawrenceParkMember_F433E831C3E91F236C881A0ABD08DC51" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="52" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_LawrenceParkMember_F433E831C3E91F236C881A0ABD08DC51" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_LeesburgPlazaMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_LeesburgPlazaMember_BB94111414F267112E9F1A0ABD080779" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="53" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_LeesburgPlazaMember_BB94111414F267112E9F1A0ABD080779" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_LindenSquareMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_LindenSquareMember_93FEDD2D2C68458F04E41A0ABD0888A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="54" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_LindenSquareMember_93FEDD2D2C68458F04E41A0ABD0888A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_MelvilleMallMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_MelvilleMallMember_461DE92A9D1484115EB81A0ABD099274" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="55" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_MelvilleMallMember_461DE92A9D1484115EB81A0ABD099274" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_MercerMallMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_MercerMallMember_61E676272E87456421521A0ABD09092B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="56" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_MercerMallMember_61E676272E87456421521A0ABD09092B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_MontroseCrossingMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_MontroseCrossingMember_ED07B41681C67285EFF01A0ABD09E2E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="57" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_MontroseCrossingMember_ED07B41681C67285EFF01A0ABD09E2E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_MountVernonMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_MountVernonMember_451965F95887FC8F49591A0ABD09ED5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="58" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_MountVernonMember_451965F95887FC8F49591A0ABD09ED5E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_NorthDartmouthMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_NorthDartmouthMember_25BA9B3E54176C56F53B1A0ABD096345" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="59" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_NorthDartmouthMember_25BA9B3E54176C56F53B1A0ABD096345" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_NortheastMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_NortheastMember_649702D4C2E47966DE631A0ABD09BFE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="60" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_NortheastMember_649702D4C2E47966DE631A0ABD09BFE5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_NorthLakeCommonsMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_NorthLakeCommonsMember_FF70DA568E64143263081A0ABD0938A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="61" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_NorthLakeCommonsMember_FF70DA568E64143263081A0ABD0938A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_OldKeeneMillMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_OldKeeneMillMember_C6426475EE86BC2995B71A0ABD0934D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="62" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_OldKeeneMillMember_C6426475EE86BC2995B71A0ABD0934D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_OldTownCenterMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_OldTownCenterMember_69910A95B0808E07EA821A0ABD095ADC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="63" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_OldTownCenterMember_69910A95B0808E07EA821A0ABD095ADC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_PanAmShoppingCenterMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_PanAmShoppingCenterMember_A159EA7E21E7E47280D41A0ABD099373" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="64" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_PanAmShoppingCenterMember_A159EA7E21E7E47280D41A0ABD099373" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_PentagonRowMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_PentagonRowMember_AC1F94F864FD1DE07A551A0ABD0AF107" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="65" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_PentagonRowMember_AC1F94F864FD1DE07A551A0ABD0AF107" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_PerringPlazaMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_PerringPlazaMember_C906436481E01FE99CF71A0ABD0A13B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="66" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_PerringPlazaMember_C906436481E01FE99CF71A0ABD0A13B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_PikeRoseMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_PikeRoseMember_CDB2C9D5EF64D1EC6BAE1A0ABD0AC1EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="67" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_PikeRoseMember_CDB2C9D5EF64D1EC6BAE1A0ABD0AC1EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_Pike7Member" xlink:label="loc_frt_Pike7Member_F4E4BF51A8C95E445F311A0ABD0A1EB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="68" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_Pike7Member_F4E4BF51A8C95E445F311A0ABD0A1EB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_PlazaDelMercadoMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_PlazaDelMercadoMember_C17F3B35AE80DFE121951A140E618A9D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="69" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_PlazaDelMercadoMember_C17F3B35AE80DFE121951A140E618A9D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_PlazaElSegundoThePointMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_PlazaElSegundoThePointMember_3A89FC558A787135F1CA1A0ABD0A1D08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="70" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_PlazaElSegundoThePointMember_3A89FC558A787135F1CA1A0ABD0A1D08" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_QueenAnnePlazaMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_QueenAnnePlazaMember_122A34EB4BFABAA94A261A0ABD0AB105" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="71" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_QueenAnnePlazaMember_122A34EB4BFABAA94A261A0ABD0AB105" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_QuinceOrchardPlazaMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_QuinceOrchardPlazaMember_97F849924AB1B6269C711A0ABD0A5F73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="72" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_QuinceOrchardPlazaMember_97F849924AB1B6269C711A0ABD0A5F73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_RockvilleTownSquareMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_RockvilleTownSquareMember_216F4AFE39B845DB5DBD1A0ABD0AD7EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="73" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_RockvilleTownSquareMember_216F4AFE39B845DB5DBD1A0ABD0AD7EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_RollingwoodApartmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_RollingwoodApartmentsMember_513F87B62C7679646A1E1A0ABD0BE2E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="74" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_RollingwoodApartmentsMember_513F87B62C7679646A1E1A0ABD0BE2E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_SamsParkAndShopMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_SamsParkAndShopMember_AFD6DF1CBE5648C84BE41A0ABD0BD990" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="75" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_SamsParkAndShopMember_AFD6DF1CBE5648C84BE41A0ABD0BD990" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_SanAntonioCenterMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_SanAntonioCenterMember_5ACFD0618415630448691A0ABD0B9434" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="76" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_SanAntonioCenterMember_5ACFD0618415630448691A0ABD0B9434" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_SantanaRowMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_SantanaRowMember_23DB3A60CA3B93754E141A0ABD0BC27F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="77" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_SantanaRowMember_23DB3A60CA3B93754E141A0ABD0BC27F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_SaugusMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_SaugusMember_06E6E43D09297167362D1A0ABD0B4A11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="78" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_SaugusMember_06E6E43D09297167362D1A0ABD0B4A11" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_AvenueAtWhiteMarshMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_AvenueAtWhiteMarshMember_44C81DFE1DFAE8B2AEEB1A0ABD0B90E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="79" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_AvenueAtWhiteMarshMember_44C81DFE1DFAE8B2AEEB1A0ABD0B90E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_TheGroveatShrewsburyMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_TheGroveatShrewsburyMember_AA0DD4530375CC25C7861A0ABD0BD489" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="80" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_TheGroveatShrewsburyMember_AA0DD4530375CC25C7861A0ABD0BD489" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_ShoppesAtNottinghamSquareMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_ShoppesAtNottinghamSquareMember_ED18396D5F6A7B26F70F1A0ABD0BEAB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="81" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_ShoppesAtNottinghamSquareMember_ED18396D5F6A7B26F70F1A0ABD0BEAB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_SunsetPlaceMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_SunsetPlaceMember_D9AAC42F3D2A5DCABFAA1A0ABD0B8342" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="82" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_SunsetPlaceMember_D9AAC42F3D2A5DCABFAA1A0ABD0B8342" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_ThirdStreetPromenadeMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_ThirdStreetPromenadeMember_989168A0BB1A903128FC1A0ABD0B21CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="83" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_ThirdStreetPromenadeMember_989168A0BB1A903128FC1A0ABD0B21CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_TowerMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_TowerMember_037BBA935644C9F43C661A0ABD0C18BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="84" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_TowerMember_037BBA935644C9F43C661A0ABD0C18BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_TowerShopsJanuary192011Member" xlink:label="loc_frt_TowerShopsJanuary192011Member_A83F280D7BFC3C2895FD1A0ABD0C2056" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="85" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_TowerShopsJanuary192011Member_A83F280D7BFC3C2895FD1A0ABD0C2056" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_TownCenterOfNewBritainMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_TownCenterOfNewBritainMember_202EA503B8C28FB29F191A0ABD09E1D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="86" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_TownCenterOfNewBritainMember_202EA503B8C28FB29F191A0ABD09E1D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_TroyMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_TroyMember_7ACC5EAF9123E8C3BF7A1A0ABD0C8389" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="87" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_TroyMember_7ACC5EAF9123E8C3BF7A1A0ABD0C8389" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_TysonStationMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_TysonStationMember_7103F22B25BF58CC90C31A0ABD0C83F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="88" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_TysonStationMember_7103F22B25BF58CC90C31A0ABD0C83F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_ShirlingtonMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_ShirlingtonMember_3072B267678EDBD314DB1A0ABD0C03FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="89" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_ShirlingtonMember_3072B267678EDBD314DB1A0ABD0C03FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_WestgateMallMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_WestgateMallMember_22815B72C27FCFEAD6671A0ABD0C281B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="90" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_WestgateMallMember_22815B72C27FCFEAD6671A0ABD0C281B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_WhiteMarshPlazaMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_WhiteMarshPlazaMember_2D125AF3A4D637A8CEED1A0ABD0CDBD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="91" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_WhiteMarshPlazaMember_2D125AF3A4D637A8CEED1A0ABD0CDBD2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_WhiteMarshOtherMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_WhiteMarshOtherMember_2DDCDC12CF86E81193FA1A0ABD0CE72B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="92" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_WhiteMarshOtherMember_2DDCDC12CF86E81193FA1A0ABD0CE72B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_WildwoodMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_WildwoodMember_3A725ED97FF8A7849CC61A0ABD0C224F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="93" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_WildwoodMember_3A725ED97FF8A7849CC61A0ABD0C224F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_WillowGroveMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_WillowGroveMember_AFCE375C22BFB45DC8B11A0ABD0CA899" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="94" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_WillowGroveMember_AFCE375C22BFB45DC8B11A0ABD0CA899" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_WillowLawnMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_WillowLawnMember_1E38EAE965C77D76348A1A0ABD0C89D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="95" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_WillowLawnMember_1E38EAE965C77D76348A1A0ABD0C89D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_WynnewoodMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_WynnewoodMember_E95B92C9FF8DEBC89EC21A0ABD0D2265" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="96" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_867206D00203EE0DFC061A0ABD038745" xlink:to="loc_frt_WynnewoodMember_E95B92C9FF8DEBC89EC21A0ABD0D2265" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_7D71AE9240DD69B83E3A1A0ABD0D2CE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationByPropertyTable_17562BD4094E24C94EDE1A0ABD03164E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_7D71AE9240DD69B83E3A1A0ABD0D2CE0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_E2EAF4109D2D7E20380C1A0ABD0D5F21_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_7D71AE9240DD69B83E3A1A0ABD0D2CE0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_E2EAF4109D2D7E20380C1A0ABD0D5F21_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_E2EAF4109D2D7E20380C1A0ABD0D5F21" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_7D71AE9240DD69B83E3A1A0ABD0D2CE0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_E2EAF4109D2D7E20380C1A0ABD0D5F21" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_7D80BDB88A1967DC5B9B1A0ABD0D755B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_E2EAF4109D2D7E20380C1A0ABD0D5F21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_7D80BDB88A1967DC5B9B1A0ABD0D755B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_D138E96408D6AC0619171A0ABD0DC28B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_E2EAF4109D2D7E20380C1A0ABD0D5F21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_D138E96408D6AC0619171A0ABD0DC28B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances_E9099EDF3F2CEC8B40421A0ABD0DEC60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationLineItems_7D246B23B2F6B1C78C6C1A0ABD0DB993" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances_E9099EDF3F2CEC8B40421A0ABD0DEC60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand_789CB46674CB0B73CC461A0ABD0E7B7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationLineItems_7D246B23B2F6B1C78C6C1A0ABD0DB993" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand_789CB46674CB0B73CC461A0ABD0E7B7A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements_FC951B6518255905C5991A0ABD0EEBB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationLineItems_7D246B23B2F6B1C78C6C1A0ABD0DB993" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements_FC951B6518255905C5991A0ABD0EEBB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts_9F9977CE1B23CCEB62231A0ABD0EE055" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationLineItems_7D246B23B2F6B1C78C6C1A0ABD0DB993" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts_9F9977CE1B23CCEB62231A0ABD0EE055" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand_74D55093E8042DAB30AC1A0ABD0EE6DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationLineItems_7D246B23B2F6B1C78C6C1A0ABD0DB993" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand_74D55093E8042DAB30AC1A0ABD0EE6DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements_E06634F5670EDA396D6B1A0ABD0E6505" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationLineItems_7D246B23B2F6B1C78C6C1A0ABD0DB993" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements_E06634F5670EDA396D6B1A0ABD0E6505" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue_D97A2DC663355D3B7AEB1A0ABD0E69F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationLineItems_7D246B23B2F6B1C78C6C1A0ABD0DB993" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue_D97A2DC663355D3B7AEB1A0ABD0E69F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation_24202AF55689CBE15F4F1A0ABD0E64CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationLineItems_7D246B23B2F6B1C78C6C1A0ABD0DB993" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation_24202AF55689CBE15F4F1A0ABD0E64CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationLifeUsedForDepreciation1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationLifeUsedForDepreciation1_B4FAAFEDAAF45E6EBD981A0ABD0E11B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationLineItems_7D246B23B2F6B1C78C6C1A0ABD0DB993" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationLifeUsedForDepreciation1_B4FAAFEDAAF45E6EBD981A0ABD0E11B6" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ScheduleIvMortgageLoansOnRealEstate" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ScheduleIvMortgageLoansOnRealEstateDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems_6D6C07E8AE20817B1635CCFC3F641D2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateScheduleTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateScheduleTable_87A871938A6F921C5E11CCFC3F6234C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems_6D6C07E8AE20817B1635CCFC3F641D2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateScheduleTable_87A871938A6F921C5E11CCFC3F6234C9" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_InterestRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_frt_InterestRateAxis_175326770FD7A5DA4714CCFC3F628A5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateScheduleTable_87A871938A6F921C5E11CCFC3F6234C9" xlink:to="loc_frt_InterestRateAxis_175326770FD7A5DA4714CCFC3F628A5D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_InterestRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_frt_InterestRateDomain_6FFCDFF7270DFE289403CCFC3F63A9B7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_frt_InterestRateAxis_175326770FD7A5DA4714CCFC3F628A5D" xlink:to="loc_frt_InterestRateDomain_6FFCDFF7270DFE289403CCFC3F63A9B7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_InterestRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_frt_InterestRateDomain_6FFCDFF7270DFE289403CCFC3F63A9B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_frt_InterestRateAxis_175326770FD7A5DA4714CCFC3F628A5D" xlink:to="loc_frt_InterestRateDomain_6FFCDFF7270DFE289403CCFC3F63A9B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_InterestRateOneMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_InterestRateOneMember_F86D51596FFCA28FE5D1CCFC3F634D63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_frt_InterestRateDomain_6FFCDFF7270DFE289403CCFC3F63A9B7" xlink:to="loc_frt_InterestRateOneMember_F86D51596FFCA28FE5D1CCFC3F634D63" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_InterestRateTwoMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_InterestRateTwoMember_4A7E71ED1E20AE59BDB5CCFC3F63659B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_frt_InterestRateDomain_6FFCDFF7270DFE289403CCFC3F63A9B7" xlink:to="loc_frt_InterestRateTwoMember_4A7E71ED1E20AE59BDB5CCFC3F63659B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis_A318A50702617C9B4CB1CCFC3F63BB88" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateScheduleTable_87A871938A6F921C5E11CCFC3F6234C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis_A318A50702617C9B4CB1CCFC3F63BB88" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain_B5B1E7507BCFDC457120CCFC3F63B418_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis_A318A50702617C9B4CB1CCFC3F63BB88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain_B5B1E7507BCFDC457120CCFC3F63B418_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain_B5B1E7507BCFDC457120CCFC3F63B418" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis_A318A50702617C9B4CB1CCFC3F63BB88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain_B5B1E7507BCFDC457120CCFC3F63B418" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_MortgageOnRetailBuildingsInPhiladelphiaPaLoanOneMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_MortgageOnRetailBuildingsInPhiladelphiaPaLoanOneMember_C178CBD431CE6AC58D51CCFC3F63CD68" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain_B5B1E7507BCFDC457120CCFC3F63B418" xlink:to="loc_frt_MortgageOnRetailBuildingsInPhiladelphiaPaLoanOneMember_C178CBD431CE6AC58D51CCFC3F63CD68" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_MortgageOnRetailBuildingsInPhiladelphiaPaLoanTwoMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_MortgageOnRetailBuildingsInPhiladelphiaPaLoanTwoMember_3B2E55061DA75513E422CCFC3F63292F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain_B5B1E7507BCFDC457120CCFC3F63B418" xlink:to="loc_frt_MortgageOnRetailBuildingsInPhiladelphiaPaLoanTwoMember_3B2E55061DA75513E422CCFC3F63292F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis_B4136806CCE4DBF548E0CCFC3F645C41" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateScheduleTable_87A871938A6F921C5E11CCFC3F6234C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis_B4136806CCE4DBF548E0CCFC3F645C41" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanCategoryDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanCategoryDomain_FA419ED5C40E68C3977DCCFC3F64C167_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis_B4136806CCE4DBF548E0CCFC3F645C41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanCategoryDomain_FA419ED5C40E68C3977DCCFC3F64C167_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanCategoryDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanCategoryDomain_FA419ED5C40E68C3977DCCFC3F64C167" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionLoanCategoryAxis_B4136806CCE4DBF548E0CCFC3F645C41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanCategoryDomain_FA419ED5C40E68C3977DCCFC3F64C167" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_MortgageOnRetailBuildingsInPhiladelphiaPaLoanOneMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_MortgageOnRetailBuildingsInPhiladelphiaPaLoanOneMember_7ACA88CC8B5A5EB4C484CCFC3F644F5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLoanCategoryDomain_FA419ED5C40E68C3977DCCFC3F64C167" xlink:to="loc_frt_MortgageOnRetailBuildingsInPhiladelphiaPaLoanOneMember_7ACA88CC8B5A5EB4C484CCFC3F644F5F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_E34A5295F78D15C1C4C6CCFC3F644ECE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateScheduleTable_87A871938A6F921C5E11CCFC3F6234C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_E34A5295F78D15C1C4C6CCFC3F644ECE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_BB53AC14AD3A2BE9AAA5CCFC3F64670D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_E34A5295F78D15C1C4C6CCFC3F644ECE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_BB53AC14AD3A2BE9AAA5CCFC3F64670D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_BB53AC14AD3A2BE9AAA5CCFC3F64670D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_E34A5295F78D15C1C4C6CCFC3F644ECE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_BB53AC14AD3A2BE9AAA5CCFC3F64670D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_DCA7080C4C61D1FB50A3CCFC3F64C2BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_BB53AC14AD3A2BE9AAA5CCFC3F64670D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_DCA7080C4C61D1FB50A3CCFC3F64C2BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateParticipationPlusInterestRateInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_frt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateParticipationPlusInterestRateInterestRate_3538A067B270A94B4281CCFC3F64DCA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems_6D6C07E8AE20817B1635CCFC3F641D2D" xlink:to="loc_frt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateParticipationPlusInterestRateInterestRate_3538A067B270A94B4281CCFC3F64DCA6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePriorLiens1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePriorLiens1_8A13F292286052515413CCFC3F6468E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems_6D6C07E8AE20817B1635CCFC3F641D2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePriorLiens1_8A13F292286052515413CCFC3F6468E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateFaceAmountOfMortgages" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateFaceAmountOfMortgages_80B861E50643889A6F12CCFC3F64F4DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems_6D6C07E8AE20817B1635CCFC3F641D2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateFaceAmountOfMortgages_80B861E50643889A6F12CCFC3F64F4DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCarryingAmountOfMortgages" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCarryingAmountOfMortgages_D9B6A45A3CA279EEDA86CCFC3F654195" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems_6D6C07E8AE20817B1635CCFC3F641D2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCarryingAmountOfMortgages_D9B6A45A3CA279EEDA86CCFC3F654195" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePrincipalAmountOfDelinquentLoans" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePrincipalAmountOfDelinquentLoans_73FA5D377DC6558FFBC3CCFC3F65DAEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems_6D6C07E8AE20817B1635CCFC3F641D2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstatePrincipalAmountOfDelinquentLoans_73FA5D377DC6558FFBC3CCFC3F65DAEA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateOtherRequiredDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateOtherRequiredDisclosuresAbstract_1BEBCB84028F5258A838CCFC3F65EFD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems_6D6C07E8AE20817B1635CCFC3F641D2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateOtherRequiredDisclosuresAbstract_1BEBCB84028F5258A838CCFC3F65EFD8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateFederalIncomeTaxBasis1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateFederalIncomeTaxBasis1_5361326D35BAC3B19933CCFC3F65BCD0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateOtherRequiredDisclosuresAbstract_1BEBCB84028F5258A838CCFC3F65EFD8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateFederalIncomeTaxBasis1_5361326D35BAC3B19933CCFC3F65BCD0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MovementInMortgageLoansOnRealEstateRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MovementInMortgageLoansOnRealEstateRollForward_BD7B775BA3ED8B715E41CCFC3F65DD12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateLineItems_6D6C07E8AE20817B1635CCFC3F641D2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MovementInMortgageLoansOnRealEstateRollForward_BD7B775BA3ED8B715E41CCFC3F65DD12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstate_E9C0B2AB0C19A8473B99CCFC3F652441" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInMortgageLoansOnRealEstateRollForward_BD7B775BA3ED8B715E41CCFC3F65DD12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstate_E9C0B2AB0C19A8473B99CCFC3F652441" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNewMortgageLoans" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNewMortgageLoans_9F0DFB48B3B0B638CEDECCFC3F655480" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInMortgageLoansOnRealEstateRollForward_BD7B775BA3ED8B715E41CCFC3F65DD12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNewMortgageLoans_9F0DFB48B3B0B638CEDECCFC3F655480" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCollectionsOfPrincipal" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCollectionsOfPrincipal_D90AE2E1741CC51092FDCCFC3F660B9A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInMortgageLoansOnRealEstateRollForward_BD7B775BA3ED8B715E41CCFC3F65DD12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateCollectionsOfPrincipal_D90AE2E1741CC51092FDCCFC3F660B9A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateAmortizationOfPremium" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateAmortizationOfPremium_DDC15E7C6AF9F83D44EFCCFC3F66BD41" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInMortgageLoansOnRealEstateRollForward_BD7B775BA3ED8B715E41CCFC3F65DD12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateAmortizationOfPremium_DDC15E7C6AF9F83D44EFCCFC3F66BD41" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SelectedQuarterlyFinancialDataUnaudited" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SelectedQuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_78CC3E6FBF40E00E22462631707099C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_0E1B20E98FF3B78931402631706EB895" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_78CC3E6FBF40E00E22462631707099C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_0E1B20E98FF3B78931402631706EB895" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_382DF935DAED00E5EFFC2631706F26EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_0E1B20E98FF3B78931402631706EB895" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_382DF935DAED00E5EFFC2631706F26EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_B1C73793E1E9750823922631706F5575_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_382DF935DAED00E5EFFC2631706F26EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_B1C73793E1E9750823922631706F5575_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_B1C73793E1E9750823922631706F5575" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_382DF935DAED00E5EFFC2631706F26EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_B1C73793E1E9750823922631706F5575" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_ClarionMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_ClarionMember_5A14D09B3DDF2CEDE93B2631706FDCA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_B1C73793E1E9750823922631706F5575" xlink:to="loc_frt_ClarionMember_5A14D09B3DDF2CEDE93B2631706FDCA0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_3F756C2F605537BBBF082631706F2F32" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_0E1B20E98FF3B78931402631706EB895" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_3F756C2F605537BBBF082631706F2F32" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_7CD52C136458AE1D41022631706F389C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_3F756C2F605537BBBF082631706F2F32" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_7CD52C136458AE1D41022631706F389C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_7CD52C136458AE1D41022631706F389C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_3F756C2F605537BBBF082631706F2F32" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_7CD52C136458AE1D41022631706F389C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_GainonsaleofrealestateMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_GainonsaleofrealestateMember_776B5B854AFD16FCA88A2631706F075B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_7CD52C136458AE1D41022631706F389C" xlink:to="loc_frt_GainonsaleofrealestateMember_776B5B854AFD16FCA88A2631706F075B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_31EFCB2AB444D94E32032631706F725B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_0E1B20E98FF3B78931402631706EB895" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_31EFCB2AB444D94E32032631706F725B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_3A0A4C8995BA968F5F9C2631706FA8F5_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_31EFCB2AB444D94E32032631706F725B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_3A0A4C8995BA968F5F9C2631706FA8F5_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_3A0A4C8995BA968F5F9C2631706FA8F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_31EFCB2AB444D94E32032631706F725B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_3A0A4C8995BA968F5F9C2631706FA8F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_CoconutGroveMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_CoconutGroveMember_CD34803097B369E615462631706FA529" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_3A0A4C8995BA968F5F9C2631706FA8F5" xlink:to="loc_frt_CoconutGroveMember_CD34803097B369E615462631706FA529" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_SantanaRowMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_SantanaRowMember_5102B4FF3FD33EB6245F263A4F36BE7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_3A0A4C8995BA968F5F9C2631706FA8F5" xlink:to="loc_frt_SantanaRowMember_5102B4FF3FD33EB6245F263A4F36BE7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_HoustonStreetMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_HoustonStreetMember_A5E6C33A250BC3CCD5D026317070A757" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_3A0A4C8995BA968F5F9C2631706FA8F5" xlink:to="loc_frt_HoustonStreetMember_A5E6C33A250BC3CCD5D026317070A757" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_CourtyardShopsMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_CourtyardShopsMember_4EA11A641BF5722D03DC26317070EB33" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_3A0A4C8995BA968F5F9C2631706FA8F5" xlink:to="loc_frt_CourtyardShopsMember_4EA11A641BF5722D03DC26317070EB33" 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_20CAC0723E1DE1F9FE35263170705DEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_0E1B20E98FF3B78931402631706EB895" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_20CAC0723E1DE1F9FE35263170705DEB" 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_08D58AEDE22DB2B3E052263170706359_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_20CAC0723E1DE1F9FE35263170705DEB" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_08D58AEDE22DB2B3E052263170706359_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_08D58AEDE22DB2B3E052263170706359" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_20CAC0723E1DE1F9FE35263170705DEB" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_08D58AEDE22DB2B3E052263170706359" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_CocoWalkMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_CocoWalkMember_53EA3BB19655C9C7BB5326317070FA4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_08D58AEDE22DB2B3E052263170706359" xlink:to="loc_frt_CocoWalkMember_53EA3BB19655C9C7BB5326317070FA4C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeRemeasurementGain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeRemeasurementGain_4F2584D8C8CDE3F7A097263170700DB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_78CC3E6FBF40E00E22462631707099C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeRemeasurementGain_4F2584D8C8CDE3F7A097263170700DB8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_Gainlossonsaleofrealestatenetofnoncontrollinginterests" xlink:label="loc_frt_Gainlossonsaleofrealestatenetofnoncontrollinginterests_81AD1EA6BCA59D73090626317070C0DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_78CC3E6FBF40E00E22462631707099C8" xlink:to="loc_frt_Gainlossonsaleofrealestatenetofnoncontrollinginterests_81AD1EA6BCA59D73090626317070C0DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductWarrantyAccrualPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductWarrantyAccrualPeriodIncreaseDecrease_22B598B93DE58DE33D942638B7E2464D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_78CC3E6FBF40E00E22462631707099C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductWarrantyAccrualPeriodIncreaseDecrease_22B598B93DE58DE33D942638B7E2464D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertiesNetOfApplicableIncomeTaxes" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertiesNetOfApplicableIncomeTaxes_869E032F7A161E9FA94A2631707002E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_78CC3E6FBF40E00E22462631707099C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertiesNetOfApplicableIncomeTaxes_869E032F7A161E9FA94A2631707002E7" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SelectedQuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedSummaryOfQuarterlyFinancialDataDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SelectedQuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationPlans" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationPlansAllocatedShareBasedCompensationDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationPlansCommonSharesAwardedUnderVariousCompensationPlansDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_972E510E612F28436BF123D902DEB6E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_6F6F3C318558F103750223D902D82E1E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_972E510E612F28436BF123D902DEB6E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_6F6F3C318558F103750223D902D82E1E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_72772E9A6AAE7C39ECB823D902D89C23" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_6F6F3C318558F103750223D902D82E1E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_72772E9A6AAE7C39ECB823D902D89C23" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_D8AFFA6292EC109F36B323D902D8A35E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_72772E9A6AAE7C39ECB823D902D89C23" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_D8AFFA6292EC109F36B323D902D8A35E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_D8AFFA6292EC109F36B323D902D8A35E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_72772E9A6AAE7C39ECB823D902D89C23" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_D8AFFA6292EC109F36B323D902D8A35E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_92796C94297CA40BF21523D902DDD8EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_D8AFFA6292EC109F36B323D902D8A35E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_92796C94297CA40BF21523D902DDD8EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_591151099EBE363EAE4323D902DE14BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_6F6F3C318558F103750223D902D82E1E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_591151099EBE363EAE4323D902DE14BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_FB378EB1903B65BBFDAC23D902DEDB78_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_591151099EBE363EAE4323D902DE14BD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_FB378EB1903B65BBFDAC23D902DEDB78_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_FB378EB1903B65BBFDAC23D902DEDB78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_591151099EBE363EAE4323D902DE14BD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_FB378EB1903B65BBFDAC23D902DEDB78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_01B660EE77C871E3502E23D902DE51FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_FB378EB1903B65BBFDAC23D902DEDB78" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_01B660EE77C871E3502E23D902DE51FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_53095723DAD114A0885B23D902DE17BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_6F6F3C318558F103750223D902D82E1E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_53095723DAD114A0885B23D902DE17BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_D237E445DBB3503B13EB23D902DEE699_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_53095723DAD114A0885B23D902DE17BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_D237E445DBB3503B13EB23D902DEE699_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_D237E445DBB3503B13EB23D902DEE699" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_53095723DAD114A0885B23D902DE17BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_D237E445DBB3503B13EB23D902DEE699" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_77EF0D77DE3528F75C3A23D902DE34AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_D237E445DBB3503B13EB23D902DEE699" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_77EF0D77DE3528F75C3A23D902DE34AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_366D5A9F9A8010063C2E23D902DE39DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_D237E445DBB3503B13EB23D902DEE699" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_366D5A9F9A8010063C2E23D902DE39DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_D52482AAE717CF023A6623D902DE6C2E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_972E510E612F28436BF123D902DEB6E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_D52482AAE717CF023A6623D902DE6C2E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_5535F0DCF01B5DC4332423D902DE9CC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_972E510E612F28436BF123D902DEB6E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_5535F0DCF01B5DC4332423D902DE9CC1" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationPlansNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_96B033B2386A8FAD7AF82376E4531280" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_0B46ACB105DB7F7C6A072376E45200A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_96B033B2386A8FAD7AF82376E4531280" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_0B46ACB105DB7F7C6A072376E45200A8" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_A918BAA24586D872595C2376E452925A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_0B46ACB105DB7F7C6A072376E45200A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_A918BAA24586D872595C2376E452925A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_91903EE255E3280570812376E45259A3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_A918BAA24586D872595C2376E452925A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_91903EE255E3280570812376E45259A3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_91903EE255E3280570812376E45259A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_A918BAA24586D872595C2376E452925A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_91903EE255E3280570812376E45259A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_1EBED0753BC76E9E88D52376E4527A70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_91903EE255E3280570812376E45259A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_1EBED0753BC76E9E88D52376E4527A70" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockCompensationPlanMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockCompensationPlanMember_E9D301469DEAB96CA7FB2376E452F5E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_91903EE255E3280570812376E45259A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockCompensationPlanMember_E9D301469DEAB96CA7FB2376E452F5E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_BCA3610D07E0D2A18F252376E452650C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_91903EE255E3280570812376E45259A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_BCA3610D07E0D2A18F252376E452650C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_F5095F8A647E450C17DC2376E4522CA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_0B46ACB105DB7F7C6A072376E45200A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_F5095F8A647E450C17DC2376E4522CA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_E2F2E814FE5C066E48EC2376E452E224_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_F5095F8A647E450C17DC2376E4522CA3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_E2F2E814FE5C066E48EC2376E452E224_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_E2F2E814FE5C066E48EC2376E452E224" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_F5095F8A647E450C17DC2376E4522CA3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_E2F2E814FE5C066E48EC2376E452E224" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_PerformanceIncentivePlan2010Member" xlink:label="loc_frt_PerformanceIncentivePlan2010Member_BD67B227F17F30C12B642376E45210F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_E2F2E814FE5C066E48EC2376E452E224" xlink:to="loc_frt_PerformanceIncentivePlan2010Member_BD67B227F17F30C12B642376E45210F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_LongTermIncentivePlan2001Member" xlink:label="loc_frt_LongTermIncentivePlan2001Member_01C8C6C644C1238AF02A2376E4523C8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_E2F2E814FE5C066E48EC2376E452E224" xlink:to="loc_frt_LongTermIncentivePlan2001Member_01C8C6C644C1238AF02A2376E4523C8F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_1A673F63D93DD73CB50A2376E45249ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_0B46ACB105DB7F7C6A072376E45200A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_1A673F63D93DD73CB50A2376E45249ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_27582F120560B036B1972376E4530564_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_1A673F63D93DD73CB50A2376E45249ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_27582F120560B036B1972376E4530564_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_27582F120560B036B1972376E4530564" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_1A673F63D93DD73CB50A2376E45249ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_27582F120560B036B1972376E4530564" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_C0FEA4944A2D2A7302F52376E45330BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_27582F120560B036B1972376E4530564" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_C0FEA4944A2D2A7302F52376E45330BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_2F30E3329AEABE030A2F2376E4535BCF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_27582F120560B036B1972376E4530564" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_2F30E3329AEABE030A2F2376E4535BCF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_NumberOfShareBasedCompensationPlans" xlink:label="loc_frt_NumberOfShareBasedCompensationPlans_1EED8207E7DCE24C22DB2376E4534D45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_96B033B2386A8FAD7AF82376E4531280" xlink:to="loc_frt_NumberOfShareBasedCompensationPlans_1EED8207E7DCE24C22DB2376E4534D45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized_BC1B8B8A27125DEA98FC2376E4587B3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_96B033B2386A8FAD7AF82376E4531280" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized_BC1B8B8A27125DEA98FC2376E4587B3B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_8FCED968E5167CAEA84E2376E4595E6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_96B033B2386A8FAD7AF82376E4531280" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_8FCED968E5167CAEA84E2376E4595E6D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod_C3B8D277779522DF794D23788F2D9400" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_96B033B2386A8FAD7AF82376E4531280" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod_C3B8D277779522DF794D23788F2D9400" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod_BE8E375A1DA78425D6172376E459A111" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_96B033B2386A8FAD7AF82376E4531280" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod_BE8E375A1DA78425D6172376E459A111" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_F66A65B9F43E81B2361C2376E459F08C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_96B033B2386A8FAD7AF82376E4531280" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_F66A65B9F43E81B2361C2376E459F08C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationCashReceivedFromExerciseOfStockOptions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationCashReceivedFromExerciseOfStockOptions_287B0256473EE99E925E2376E4591CD6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_96B033B2386A8FAD7AF82376E4531280" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationCashReceivedFromExerciseOfStockOptions_287B0256473EE99E925E2376E4591CD6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue_3246817681EE375DA2C02376E4596261" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_96B033B2386A8FAD7AF82376E4531280" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue_3246817681EE375DA2C02376E4596261" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_6F9B4ED6CA97D482EA252376E459D873" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_96B033B2386A8FAD7AF82376E4531280" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_6F9B4ED6CA97D482EA252376E459D873" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue_80260E95BEB41E00927A2376E459E6A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_96B033B2386A8FAD7AF82376E4531280" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue_80260E95BEB41E00927A2376E459E6A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_73AEE4D4EB35CFCA25A32376E459A33B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_96B033B2386A8FAD7AF82376E4531280" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_73AEE4D4EB35CFCA25A32376E459A33B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_ShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognitionYears" xlink:label="loc_frt_ShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognitionYears_AB7C354D1B34ACADCEDF2376E459614C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_96B033B2386A8FAD7AF82376E4531280" xlink:to="loc_frt_ShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognitionYears_AB7C354D1B34ACADCEDF2376E459614C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_89C8CC2383CBCBB7A0332376E459A3BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_96B033B2386A8FAD7AF82376E4531280" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_89C8CC2383CBCBB7A0332376E459A3BB" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationPlansRestrictedShareActivityDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_7327B091C1840783DA99DCF8217F65AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_89D110B3F00BD5708D94DCF8217EA00B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_7327B091C1840783DA99DCF8217F65AF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_89D110B3F00BD5708D94DCF8217EA00B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_573E4B7EACB27ED199DBDCF8217E3D9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_89D110B3F00BD5708D94DCF8217EA00B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_573E4B7EACB27ED199DBDCF8217E3D9F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_9B7F10E2CAEAFB84DF66DCF8217FF749_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_573E4B7EACB27ED199DBDCF8217E3D9F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_9B7F10E2CAEAFB84DF66DCF8217FF749_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_9B7F10E2CAEAFB84DF66DCF8217FF749" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_573E4B7EACB27ED199DBDCF8217E3D9F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_9B7F10E2CAEAFB84DF66DCF8217FF749" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_7821309104411E24FAF7DCF8217F4D96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_9B7F10E2CAEAFB84DF66DCF8217FF749" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_7821309104411E24FAF7DCF8217F4D96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_8E3E1112FD4F89CC4D67DCF8217F1064" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_7327B091C1840783DA99DCF8217F65AF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_8E3E1112FD4F89CC4D67DCF8217F1064" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_8272BFA01442A450226EDCF82184952B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_8E3E1112FD4F89CC4D67DCF8217F1064" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_8272BFA01442A450226EDCF82184952B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_937E8182E02EC8854D05DCF8218556AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_8E3E1112FD4F89CC4D67DCF8217F1064" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_937E8182E02EC8854D05DCF8218556AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_148F3D6450B48B9B5B77DCF821855AE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_8E3E1112FD4F89CC4D67DCF8217F1064" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_148F3D6450B48B9B5B77DCF821855AE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_8C891DB7A5DE0E3461A9DCF821859ACC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_8E3E1112FD4F89CC4D67DCF8217F1064" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_8C891DB7A5DE0E3461A9DCF821859ACC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_479B4F1AD08C70FBEC1ADCF821852DDB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_8E3E1112FD4F89CC4D67DCF8217F1064" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_479B4F1AD08C70FBEC1ADCF821852DDB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_0EAACD893D06DAFC3D32DCF821858681" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_8E3E1112FD4F89CC4D67DCF8217F1064" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_0EAACD893D06DAFC3D32DCF821858681" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_CC6C1CC2CC2BD016A0A2DCF82185820E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_8E3E1112FD4F89CC4D67DCF8217F1064" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_CC6C1CC2CC2BD016A0A2DCF82185820E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_ED6F6D10574FD360A6DADCF82187E8C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_8E3E1112FD4F89CC4D67DCF8217F1064" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_ED6F6D10574FD360A6DADCF82187E8C3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationPlansScheduleOfOptionActivityDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationPlansTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationPlansWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedToValueOptionGrantedIn2016Details" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ShareholdersEquity" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/ShareholdersEquityDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_78ECA9F61025F667863B2377AC98120D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_4C6EC2FB51A03DA459552377AC977B31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_78ECA9F61025F667863B2377AC98120D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_4C6EC2FB51A03DA459552377AC977B31" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_FBB31960002AB935A0A22377AC97CAC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_4C6EC2FB51A03DA459552377AC977B31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_FBB31960002AB935A0A22377AC97CAC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_91C23A452281B060DD402377AC984845_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_FBB31960002AB935A0A22377AC97CAC4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_91C23A452281B060DD402377AC984845_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_91C23A452281B060DD402377AC984845" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_FBB31960002AB935A0A22377AC97CAC4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_91C23A452281B060DD402377AC984845" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_PublicEquityOfferingMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_PublicEquityOfferingMember_04043E45B1FAF4C357F92377AC98D95A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_91C23A452281B060DD402377AC984845" xlink:to="loc_frt_PublicEquityOfferingMember_04043E45B1FAF4C357F92377AC98D95A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_AtMarketEquityProgramMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_AtMarketEquityProgramMember_F5F0D724D51A74FBED7F2377AC98B770" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_91C23A452281B060DD402377AC984845" xlink:to="loc_frt_AtMarketEquityProgramMember_F5F0D724D51A74FBED7F2377AC98B770" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_StockIssuanceCostsByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_frt_StockIssuanceCostsByTypeAxis_1F5DD26A2D2E1626346A2377AC985D4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_4C6EC2FB51A03DA459552377AC977B31" xlink:to="loc_frt_StockIssuanceCostsByTypeAxis_1F5DD26A2D2E1626346A2377AC985D4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_StockIssuanceCostsByTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_frt_StockIssuanceCostsByTypeDomain_835EB93E725E17C592D72377AC98DB8A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_frt_StockIssuanceCostsByTypeAxis_1F5DD26A2D2E1626346A2377AC985D4D" xlink:to="loc_frt_StockIssuanceCostsByTypeDomain_835EB93E725E17C592D72377AC98DB8A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_StockIssuanceCostsByTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_frt_StockIssuanceCostsByTypeDomain_835EB93E725E17C592D72377AC98DB8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_frt_StockIssuanceCostsByTypeAxis_1F5DD26A2D2E1626346A2377AC985D4D" xlink:to="loc_frt_StockIssuanceCostsByTypeDomain_835EB93E725E17C592D72377AC98DB8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_CommissionsMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_CommissionsMember_07FA198EB3C6AF88AEA12377AC98D7A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_frt_StockIssuanceCostsByTypeDomain_835EB93E725E17C592D72377AC98DB8A" xlink:to="loc_frt_CommissionsMember_07FA198EB3C6AF88AEA12377AC98D7A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_OtherOfferingCostsMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_OtherOfferingCostsMember_5BA3A5FA088411860FB22377AC981FA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_frt_StockIssuanceCostsByTypeDomain_835EB93E725E17C592D72377AC98DB8A" xlink:to="loc_frt_OtherOfferingCostsMember_5BA3A5FA088411860FB22377AC981FA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesDividendReinvestmentPlan" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesDividendReinvestmentPlan_C3BFD252B873764262312377AC98C726" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_78ECA9F61025F667863B2377AC98120D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesDividendReinvestmentPlan_C3BFD252B873764262312377AC98C726" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_AB01378D6442CDF227FD2377AC98E9DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_78ECA9F61025F667863B2377AC98120D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_AB01378D6442CDF227FD2377AC98E9DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage_CD47B19B1CBD8825A7952377AC98E2D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_78ECA9F61025F667863B2377AC98120D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage_CD47B19B1CBD8825A7952377AC98E2D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference_F3559BEEEB74F80DBF702377AC985100" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_78ECA9F61025F667863B2377AC98120D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference_F3559BEEEB74F80DBF702377AC985100" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_65FF9A8B83F16D940AB92377AC9800B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_78ECA9F61025F667863B2377AC98120D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_65FF9A8B83F16D940AB92377AC9800B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_ConvertiblePreferredStockConversionPricePerShare" xlink:label="loc_frt_ConvertiblePreferredStockConversionPricePerShare_FD26B874A989F12B2CF32377AC993B7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_78ECA9F61025F667863B2377AC98120D" xlink:to="loc_frt_ConvertiblePreferredStockConversionPricePerShare_FD26B874A989F12B2CF32377AC993B7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_FD3B06CC709E64E1935E2377AC99BAB5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_78ECA9F61025F667863B2377AC98120D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_FD3B06CC709E64E1935E2377AC99BAB5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesIssuedPricePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesIssuedPricePerShare_13323289EAB2B323F8C22377AC994922" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_78ECA9F61025F667863B2377AC98120D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesIssuedPricePerShare_13323289EAB2B323F8C22377AC994922" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_048E6A5D927DB3440A972377AC99A294" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_78ECA9F61025F667863B2377AC98120D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_048E6A5D927DB3440A972377AC99A294" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_AggregateOfferingPriceOfCommonShare" xlink:label="loc_frt_AggregateOfferingPriceOfCommonShare_1D69653BFE267C9AC0B62377AC993D1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_78ECA9F61025F667863B2377AC98120D" xlink:to="loc_frt_AggregateOfferingPriceOfCommonShare_1D69653BFE267C9AC0B62377AC993D1B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_WeightedAveragePricePerCommonShare" xlink:label="loc_frt_WeightedAveragePricePerCommonShare_C32599AC66AA7FE07AF92377AC99DBEE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_78ECA9F61025F667863B2377AC98120D" xlink:to="loc_frt_WeightedAveragePricePerCommonShare_C32599AC66AA7FE07AF92377AC99DBEE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts_74CEAC7BF4811CE693F32377AC993EC9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_78ECA9F61025F667863B2377AC98120D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts_74CEAC7BF4811CE693F32377AC993EC9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_RemainingCapacityToIssue" xlink:label="loc_frt_RemainingCapacityToIssue_8D8179D109261F1F7D3A2377AC993403" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_78ECA9F61025F667863B2377AC98120D" xlink:to="loc_frt_RemainingCapacityToIssue_8D8179D109261F1F7D3A2377AC993403" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SubsequentEvent" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SubsequentEventDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_115E85F568CD32DCF0FF24AC190C1AC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_3AFDE03DECB44963CE5524AC190B09D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_115E85F568CD32DCF0FF24AC190C1AC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_3AFDE03DECB44963CE5524AC190B09D2" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_64C8B425F3EE8FB6534924AC190B11DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_3AFDE03DECB44963CE5524AC190B09D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_64C8B425F3EE8FB6534924AC190B11DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_81F23B250FAF311A8BD524AC190B5B7C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_64C8B425F3EE8FB6534924AC190B11DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_81F23B250FAF311A8BD524AC190B5B7C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_81F23B250FAF311A8BD524AC190B5B7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_64C8B425F3EE8FB6534924AC190B11DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_81F23B250FAF311A8BD524AC190B5B7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_766D88EE77F87DC0B0D824AC190BF1BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_81F23B250FAF311A8BD524AC190B5B7C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_766D88EE77F87DC0B0D824AC190BF1BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_ADAFBCE4D0F61F1F1BC824AC190C18E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_3AFDE03DECB44963CE5524AC190B09D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_ADAFBCE4D0F61F1F1BC824AC190C18E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_7D2C52365ED9A3C505EB24AC190C123B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_ADAFBCE4D0F61F1F1BC824AC190C18E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_7D2C52365ED9A3C505EB24AC190C123B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_7D2C52365ED9A3C505EB24AC190C123B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_ADAFBCE4D0F61F1F1BC824AC190C18E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_7D2C52365ED9A3C505EB24AC190C123B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_SanAntonioCenterMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_SanAntonioCenterMember_644543E0A3787860853E24AC190CC3B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_7D2C52365ED9A3C505EB24AC190C123B" xlink:to="loc_frt_SanAntonioCenterMember_644543E0A3787860853E24AC190CC3B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_HastingsRanchPlazaMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_HastingsRanchPlazaMember_B5FD3480E1C73BEB8C1B24AC190CA2CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_7D2C52365ED9A3C505EB24AC190C123B" xlink:to="loc_frt_HastingsRanchPlazaMember_B5FD3480E1C73BEB8C1B24AC190CA2CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_PaymentstoAcquireOutstandingInterest" xlink:label="loc_frt_PaymentstoAcquireOutstandingInterest_A2E3E544BAC0C81AC53824E93E7929E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_115E85F568CD32DCF0FF24AC190C1AC8" xlink:to="loc_frt_PaymentstoAcquireOutstandingInterest_A2E3E544BAC0C81AC53824E93E7929E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_NumberofdownREITunitsissuedinconnectionwithpurchaseoption" xlink:label="loc_frt_NumberofdownREITunitsissuedinconnectionwithpurchaseoption_95EEC790D3B47E731F9024AC190CF596" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_115E85F568CD32DCF0FF24AC190C1AC8" xlink:to="loc_frt_NumberofdownREITunitsissuedinconnectionwithpurchaseoption_95EEC790D3B47E731F9024AC190CF596" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AreaOfRealEstateProperty" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AreaOfRealEstateProperty_97B92E82EEAC67007C8924AC190CBDBB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_115E85F568CD32DCF0FF24AC190C1AC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AreaOfRealEstateProperty_97B92E82EEAC67007C8924AC190CBDBB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_A6C2DE72BEF269CAA4AE24AC190CFEE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_115E85F568CD32DCF0FF24AC190C1AC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_A6C2DE72BEF269CAA4AE24AC190CFEE7" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesCashAndCashEquivalentsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDerivativeInstrumentsAndMortgageNotesReceivableDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_D40AC106AFACE6F84F60E07A69B9BAA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_38216FE713A68C32EFA2E07A69B7A4DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_D40AC106AFACE6F84F60E07A69B9BAA2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_38216FE713A68C32EFA2E07A69B7A4DC" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_87A2AF922E198D9487FEE07A69B8E7DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_38216FE713A68C32EFA2E07A69B7A4DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_87A2AF922E198D9487FEE07A69B8E7DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_087C5807A31B1945EBF1E07A69B8490F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_87A2AF922E198D9487FEE07A69B8E7DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_087C5807A31B1945EBF1E07A69B8490F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_087C5807A31B1945EBF1E07A69B8490F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_87A2AF922E198D9487FEE07A69B8E7DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_087C5807A31B1945EBF1E07A69B8490F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_9A5499FD553CD0972457E07A69B8E5D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_087C5807A31B1945EBF1E07A69B8490F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_9A5499FD553CD0972457E07A69B8E5D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_26AABE5DC785CB835964E07A69B82328" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_38216FE713A68C32EFA2E07A69B7A4DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_26AABE5DC785CB835964E07A69B82328" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_D86D2461EE03A8379E56E07A69B8B54F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_26AABE5DC785CB835964E07A69B82328" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_D86D2461EE03A8379E56E07A69B8B54F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_D86D2461EE03A8379E56E07A69B8B54F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_26AABE5DC785CB835964E07A69B82328" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_D86D2461EE03A8379E56E07A69B8B54F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_B284871C571761C654B2E07A69B89137" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_D86D2461EE03A8379E56E07A69B8B54F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_B284871C571761C654B2E07A69B89137" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeGainLossToBeReclassifiedDuringNext12MonthsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeGainLossToBeReclassifiedDuringNext12MonthsNet_226A410585F3FCBAD16CE07A69B9D568" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_D40AC106AFACE6F84F60E07A69B9BAA2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeGainLossToBeReclassifiedDuringNext12MonthsNet_226A410585F3FCBAD16CE07A69B9D568" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfInterestRateDerivativesHeld" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfInterestRateDerivativesHeld_7B043541CC647B84F479E07A69B92E6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_D40AC106AFACE6F84F60E07A69B9BAA2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfInterestRateDerivativesHeld_7B043541CC647B84F479E07A69B92E6B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_ResidualProfitMaximum" xlink:label="loc_frt_ResidualProfitMaximum_B2A7F5DFDF0A7CD6B4EBE07A69B9E297" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_D40AC106AFACE6F84F60E07A69B9BAA2" xlink:to="loc_frt_ResidualProfitMaximum_B2A7F5DFDF0A7CD6B4EBE07A69B9E297" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesIncomeTaxesAndSegmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicy" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRealEstateDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_4BA0B498322CB9F9FDDDE07A67CE7A63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_29BD45E5482B9CBD9D60E07A67CD8FDB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_4BA0B498322CB9F9FDDDE07A67CE7A63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_29BD45E5482B9CBD9D60E07A67CD8FDB" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_DFE5AED37C55DAB4A93EE07A67CD9A11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_29BD45E5482B9CBD9D60E07A67CD8FDB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_DFE5AED37C55DAB4A93EE07A67CD9A11" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_E59F8925E394F1D9DD4AE07A67CD79A9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_DFE5AED37C55DAB4A93EE07A67CD9A11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_E59F8925E394F1D9DD4AE07A67CD79A9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_E59F8925E394F1D9DD4AE07A67CD79A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_DFE5AED37C55DAB4A93EE07A67CD9A11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_E59F8925E394F1D9DD4AE07A67CD79A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember_75531B97FE6238D70EBAE07A67CDFF0F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_E59F8925E394F1D9DD4AE07A67CD79A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember_75531B97FE6238D70EBAE07A67CDFF0F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_MinorImprovementsFurnitureAndEquipmentMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_MinorImprovementsFurnitureAndEquipmentMember_D42C79AE7002F78344ECE07A67CD876E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_E59F8925E394F1D9DD4AE07A67CD79A9" xlink:to="loc_frt_MinorImprovementsFurnitureAndEquipmentMember_D42C79AE7002F78344ECE07A67CD876E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_590AF5B1FD551C09BB0DE07A67CD3C50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_29BD45E5482B9CBD9D60E07A67CD8FDB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_590AF5B1FD551C09BB0DE07A67CD3C50" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_2513A59335B90A9717D3E07A67CDD258_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_590AF5B1FD551C09BB0DE07A67CD3C50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_2513A59335B90A9717D3E07A67CDD258_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_2513A59335B90A9717D3E07A67CDD258" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_590AF5B1FD551C09BB0DE07A67CD3C50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_2513A59335B90A9717D3E07A67CDD258" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_119F0B9D25B797ACA6A8E07A67CD8CD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_2513A59335B90A9717D3E07A67CDD258" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_119F0B9D25B797ACA6A8E07A67CD8CD8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_A08835E196C262D868C6E07A67CEA42D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_2513A59335B90A9717D3E07A67CDD258" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_A08835E196C262D868C6E07A67CEA42D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_C7308D6A85C116A29058E07A67CE6C7E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_4BA0B498322CB9F9FDDDE07A67CE7A63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_C7308D6A85C116A29058E07A67CE6C7E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_DepreciationExpenseRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_frt_DepreciationExpenseRealEstate_84FED33311EC0775DA71E07A67CE45E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_4BA0B498322CB9F9FDDDE07A67CE7A63" xlink:to="loc_frt_DepreciationExpenseRealEstate_84FED33311EC0775DA71E07A67CE45E7" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRecentlyAdoptedAccountingPronouncementsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_AA51064EF86E57DCE77FE07A6AC10220" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_4BAFF7218C477132DAB0E07A6AC071F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_AA51064EF86E57DCE77FE07A6AC10220" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_4BAFF7218C477132DAB0E07A6AC071F9" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_0033644E7A669D0EBD4DE07A6AC06D1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_4BAFF7218C477132DAB0E07A6AC071F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_0033644E7A669D0EBD4DE07A6AC06D1D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_5E22859B191FE9AF7F11E07A6AC03EE8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_0033644E7A669D0EBD4DE07A6AC06D1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_5E22859B191FE9AF7F11E07A6AC03EE8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_5E22859B191FE9AF7F11E07A6AC03EE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_0033644E7A669D0EBD4DE07A6AC06D1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_5E22859B191FE9AF7F11E07A6AC03EE8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementMember_1CF4AE6FAEE5C8D2267AE07A6AC01524" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_5E22859B191FE9AF7F11E07A6AC03EE8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementMember_1CF4AE6FAEE5C8D2267AE07A6AC01524" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_73D2F513E93E8E98E6FAE07A6AC024A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_4BAFF7218C477132DAB0E07A6AC071F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_73D2F513E93E8E98E6FAE07A6AC024A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_16233BA2F49738688345E07A6AC0B736_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_73D2F513E93E8E98E6FAE07A6AC024A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_16233BA2F49738688345E07A6AC0B736_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_16233BA2F49738688345E07A6AC0B736" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_73D2F513E93E8E98E6FAE07A6AC024A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_16233BA2F49738688345E07A6AC0B736" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_PikeandRoseHotelJVMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_PikeandRoseHotelJVMember_D534C60D3C5CB2C7763FE07A6AC1BD33" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_16233BA2F49738688345E07A6AC0B736" xlink:to="loc_frt_PikeandRoseHotelJVMember_D534C60D3C5CB2C7763FE07A6AC1BD33" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_PreviousvotinginterestentityMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_PreviousvotinginterestentityMember_AA7E822E947D4EF5DBCFE07A6AC12863" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_16233BA2F49738688345E07A6AC0B736" xlink:to="loc_frt_PreviousvotinginterestentityMember_AA7E822E947D4EF5DBCFE07A6AC12863" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_NumberofPropertiesPreviouslyConsolidatedasVotingInterestEntities" xlink:label="loc_frt_NumberofPropertiesPreviouslyConsolidatedasVotingInterestEntities_7FB95444AFDE1D9DBC33E07A6AC1541E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_AA51064EF86E57DCE77FE07A6AC10220" xlink:to="loc_frt_NumberofPropertiesPreviouslyConsolidatedasVotingInterestEntities_7FB95444AFDE1D9DBC33E07A6AC1541E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountAssetsAndLiabilitiesNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountAssetsAndLiabilitiesNet_51A973928B075189DF26E07A6AC12533" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_AA51064EF86E57DCE77FE07A6AC10220" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountAssetsAndLiabilitiesNet_51A973928B075189DF26E07A6AC12533" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_MortgagePayableFromConsolidatedVariableInterestEntities" xlink:label="loc_frt_MortgagePayableFromConsolidatedVariableInterestEntities_F1BCACA456A84E754A89E07A6AC2EFBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_AA51064EF86E57DCE77FE07A6AC10220" xlink:to="loc_frt_MortgagePayableFromConsolidatedVariableInterestEntities_F1BCACA456A84E754A89E07A6AC2EFBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNonconsolidatedCarryingAmountAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNonconsolidatedCarryingAmountAssets_E2B2C564B4A2BE9FD9A3E07A6AC28083" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_AA51064EF86E57DCE77FE07A6AC10220" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNonconsolidatedCarryingAmountAssets_E2B2C564B4A2BE9FD9A3E07A6AC28083" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityEntityMaximumLossExposureAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityEntityMaximumLossExposureAmount_853603A05FAAE157D2BCE07A6AC2F51A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_AA51064EF86E57DCE77FE07A6AC10220" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityEntityMaximumLossExposureAmount_853603A05FAAE157D2BCE07A6AC2F51A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense_E85416669B3733E84406E07A6AC27EA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_AA51064EF86E57DCE77FE07A6AC10220" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense_E85416669B3733E84406E07A6AC27EA6" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRecentlyIssuedAccountingPronouncementsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_0F5E8A453C170FBEBC0BE0E7736BE04B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_398A0C500E76D5E82810E0E773676BD4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_0F5E8A453C170FBEBC0BE0E7736BE04B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_398A0C500E76D5E82810E0E773676BD4" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_0B91002B4CBCA085B870E0E62FCD806D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_398A0C500E76D5E82810E0E773676BD4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_0B91002B4CBCA085B870E0E62FCD806D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_044BAC15372AD9EDD68DE0E62FCD2080_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_0B91002B4CBCA085B870E0E62FCD806D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_044BAC15372AD9EDD68DE0E62FCD2080_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_044BAC15372AD9EDD68DE0E62FCD2080" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_0B91002B4CBCA085B870E0E62FCD806D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_044BAC15372AD9EDD68DE0E62FCD2080" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_ED050D5C561138CC44B2E0E62FCD8EAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_044BAC15372AD9EDD68DE0E62FCD2080" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_ED050D5C561138CC44B2E0E62FCD8EAF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_FAA89B02D5E8C49316D6E0E62FCD09EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_044BAC15372AD9EDD68DE0E62FCD2080" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_FAA89B02D5E8C49316D6E0E62FCD09EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_4800FE98DA203CF995FDE0E62FE2A7B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_0F5E8A453C170FBEBC0BE0E7736BE04B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_4800FE98DA203CF995FDE0E62FE2A7B6" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestLineItems_884F8B8EE0C3CA30FDD624AC1ABE7708" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestByLegalEntityTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestByLegalEntityTable_1E1019BB75EFB680901B24AC1AB96A7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestLineItems_884F8B8EE0C3CA30FDD624AC1ABE7708" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestByLegalEntityTable_1E1019BB75EFB680901B24AC1AB96A7B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_1311F5E19AD568CB28AE24AC1AB95663" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestByLegalEntityTable_1E1019BB75EFB680901B24AC1AB96A7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_1311F5E19AD568CB28AE24AC1AB95663" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_F43C608D71AE268100DB24AC1AB9F008_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_1311F5E19AD568CB28AE24AC1AB95663" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_F43C608D71AE268100DB24AC1AB9F008_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_F43C608D71AE268100DB24AC1AB9F008" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis_1311F5E19AD568CB28AE24AC1AB95663" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_F43C608D71AE268100DB24AC1AB9F008" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_GalaxyHollywoodMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_GalaxyHollywoodMember_EFF1B40BBBCCC3CA695724AC1AB9A1BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_F43C608D71AE268100DB24AC1AB9F008" xlink:to="loc_frt_GalaxyHollywoodMember_EFF1B40BBBCCC3CA695724AC1AB9A1BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_Percentageofnoncontrollinginterestacquired" xlink:label="loc_frt_Percentageofnoncontrollinginterestacquired_0821847FE97AA8FEC36424AC1ABE493F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestLineItems_884F8B8EE0C3CA30FDD624AC1ABE7708" xlink:to="loc_frt_Percentageofnoncontrollinginterestacquired_0821847FE97AA8FEC36424AC1ABE493F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest_62B043FE427780208CFB24AC1ABE9EA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestLineItems_884F8B8EE0C3CA30FDD624AC1ABE7708" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest_62B043FE427780208CFB24AC1ABE9EA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_Ownershipinterest" xlink:label="loc_frt_Ownershipinterest_10E2C55EEABD5C32859724AC1ABE1975" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestLineItems_884F8B8EE0C3CA30FDD624AC1ABE7708" xlink:to="loc_frt_Ownershipinterest_10E2C55EEABD5C32859724AC1ABE1975" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRevenueRecognitionAndAccountsReceivableDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesSupplementalCashFlowDisclosuresDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasedAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasedAssetsLineItems_1DDF89CF6186FC0DB161E07A6ACCE57C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfOperatingLeasedAssetsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfOperatingLeasedAssetsTable_34C57CF5CAA1BF3D0441E07A6ACB2AA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasedAssetsLineItems_1DDF89CF6186FC0DB161E07A6ACCE57C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfOperatingLeasedAssetsTable_34C57CF5CAA1BF3D0441E07A6ACB2AA0" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_E8C46DE66A4F056FE011E07A6ACB2028" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfOperatingLeasedAssetsTable_34C57CF5CAA1BF3D0441E07A6ACB2AA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_E8C46DE66A4F056FE011E07A6ACB2028" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_B3F27963D4463C11CF6BE07A6ACB72D8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_E8C46DE66A4F056FE011E07A6ACB2028" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_B3F27963D4463C11CF6BE07A6ACB72D8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_B3F27963D4463C11CF6BE07A6ACB72D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_E8C46DE66A4F056FE011E07A6ACB2028" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_B3F27963D4463C11CF6BE07A6ACB72D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_EF7E3206147E6F6361A6E07A6ACB13E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_B3F27963D4463C11CF6BE07A6ACB72D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_EF7E3206147E6F6361A6E07A6ACB13E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_A45459BF46A448B8E491E07A6ACBD9E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_B3F27963D4463C11CF6BE07A6ACB72D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_A45459BF46A448B8E491E07A6ACBD9E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_RealEstateInvestmentsByPropertyTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_frt_RealEstateInvestmentsByPropertyTypeAxis_15F50E99AFB7CE2A4D08E07A6ACBF846" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfOperatingLeasedAssetsTable_34C57CF5CAA1BF3D0441E07A6ACB2AA0" xlink:to="loc_frt_RealEstateInvestmentsByPropertyTypeAxis_15F50E99AFB7CE2A4D08E07A6ACBF846" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_RealEstateInvestmentsPropertyTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_frt_RealEstateInvestmentsPropertyTypeDomain_656A5F60E1D1571B06B8E07A6ACB5912_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_frt_RealEstateInvestmentsByPropertyTypeAxis_15F50E99AFB7CE2A4D08E07A6ACBF846" xlink:to="loc_frt_RealEstateInvestmentsPropertyTypeDomain_656A5F60E1D1571B06B8E07A6ACB5912_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_RealEstateInvestmentsPropertyTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_frt_RealEstateInvestmentsPropertyTypeDomain_656A5F60E1D1571B06B8E07A6ACB5912" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_frt_RealEstateInvestmentsByPropertyTypeAxis_15F50E99AFB7CE2A4D08E07A6ACBF846" xlink:to="loc_frt_RealEstateInvestmentsPropertyTypeDomain_656A5F60E1D1571B06B8E07A6ACB5912" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember_960410345CD9AB27367AE07A6ACCA5BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_frt_RealEstateInvestmentsPropertyTypeDomain_656A5F60E1D1571B06B8E07A6ACB5912" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember_960410345CD9AB27367AE07A6ACCA5BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_OperatingLeaseTerm" xlink:label="loc_frt_OperatingLeaseTerm_788E0F4EBF30294FDA4FE07A6ACC0DBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasedAssetsLineItems_1DDF89CF6186FC0DB161E07A6ACCE57C" xlink:to="loc_frt_OperatingLeaseTerm_788E0F4EBF30294FDA4FE07A6ACC0DBF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.federalrealty.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesVariableInterestEntitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_FB66A78AD519A1E48CB4E07A6E288F29" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_A7E3EB3D7142E001A968E07A6E276B1C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_FB66A78AD519A1E48CB4E07A6E288F29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_A7E3EB3D7142E001A968E07A6E276B1C" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_D91DB0140217E67067E5E07A6E27A11A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_A7E3EB3D7142E001A968E07A6E276B1C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_D91DB0140217E67067E5E07A6E27A11A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_F9C765B35F1A107DECC6E07A6E2824A3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_D91DB0140217E67067E5E07A6E27A11A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_F9C765B35F1A107DECC6E07A6E2824A3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_F9C765B35F1A107DECC6E07A6E2824A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_D91DB0140217E67067E5E07A6E27A11A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_F9C765B35F1A107DECC6E07A6E2824A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementMember_3B2AA51A48858473CA04E07A6E28A819" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_F9C765B35F1A107DECC6E07A6E2824A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementMember_3B2AA51A48858473CA04E07A6E28A819" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_05E709E9FF1FA30B220EE07A6E28264C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_A7E3EB3D7142E001A968E07A6E276B1C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_05E709E9FF1FA30B220EE07A6E28264C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_82D738EFC769B9EDBB8AE07A6E280FC7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_05E709E9FF1FA30B220EE07A6E28264C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_82D738EFC769B9EDBB8AE07A6E280FC7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_82D738EFC769B9EDBB8AE07A6E280FC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_05E709E9FF1FA30B220EE07A6E28264C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_82D738EFC769B9EDBB8AE07A6E280FC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_PreviousvotinginterestentityMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_PreviousvotinginterestentityMember_AC498CDC2E52671DC64CE07A6E2833BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_82D738EFC769B9EDBB8AE07A6E280FC7" xlink:to="loc_frt_PreviousvotinginterestentityMember_AC498CDC2E52671DC64CE07A6E2833BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_PikeandRoseHotelJVMember" xlink:label="loc_frt_PikeandRoseHotelJVMember_43FB3169493F983D783FE07A6E28E5F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_82D738EFC769B9EDBB8AE07A6E280FC7" xlink:to="loc_frt_PikeandRoseHotelJVMember_43FB3169493F983D783FE07A6E28E5F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_NumberofConsolidatedVariableInterestEntities" xlink:label="loc_frt_NumberofConsolidatedVariableInterestEntities_3607DCF8464FD448B058E07A6E286B1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_FB66A78AD519A1E48CB4E07A6E288F29" xlink:to="loc_frt_NumberofConsolidatedVariableInterestEntities_3607DCF8464FD448B058E07A6E286B1B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="frt-20161231.xsd#frt_NumberofPropertiesPreviouslyConsolidatedasVotingInterestEntities" xlink:label="loc_frt_NumberofPropertiesPreviouslyConsolidatedasVotingInterestEntities_0A5A16EB473B1DEEE5D5E07A6E28CA6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_FB66A78AD519A1E48CB4E07A6E288F29" xlink:to="loc_frt_NumberofPropertiesPreviouslyConsolidatedasVotingInterestEntities_0A5A16EB473B1DEEE5D5E07A6E28CA6D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountAssetsAndLiabilitiesNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountAssetsAndLiabilitiesNet_C6DCC9463C0DF0F68FF4E07A6E2863F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_FB66A78AD519A1E48CB4E07A6E288F29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountAssetsAndLiabilitiesNet_C6DCC9463C0DF0F68FF4E07A6E2863F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityEntityMaximumLossExposureAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityEntityMaximumLossExposureAmount_F4F7EB83F73E2D06737EE07A6E28A024" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_FB66A78AD519A1E48CB4E07A6E288F29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityEntityMaximumLossExposureAmount_F4F7EB83F73E2D06737EE07A6E28A024" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
</link:linkbase>
