<?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.express.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParentheticals" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParentheticals" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncome" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/Debt" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#Debt" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/DebtLettersOfCreditDetails" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#DebtLettersOfCreditDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/DebtRevolvingCreditFacilityDetails" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#DebtRevolvingCreditFacilityDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/DescriptionOfBusinessAndBasisOfPresentation" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#DescriptionOfBusinessAndBasisOfPresentation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/DescriptionOfBusinessAndBasisOfPresentationDetails" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#DescriptionOfBusinessAndBasisOfPresentationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/DescriptionOfBusinessAndBasisOfPresentationPolicies" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#DescriptionOfBusinessAndBasisOfPresentationPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#EarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsDetails" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#IncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/IntangibleAssets" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#IntangibleAssets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/IntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#IntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/IntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#IntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/InvestmentInEquityInterests" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#InvestmentInEquityInterests" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/InvestmentInEquityInterestsEquityMethodInvestmentsDetails" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#InvestmentInEquityInterestsEquityMethodInvestmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/LeaseFinancingObligations" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#LeaseFinancingObligations" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/LeaseFinancingObligationsDetails" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#LeaseFinancingObligationsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/RestructuringCosts" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#RestructuringCosts" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/RestructuringCostsDetails" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#RestructuringCostsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/RestructuringCostsIncurredAndAccruedDetails" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#RestructuringCostsIncurredAndAccruedDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/RestructuringCostsTables" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#RestructuringCostsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/RetirementBenefits" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#RetirementBenefits" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/RetirementBenefitsDetails" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#RetirementBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/SegmentReporting" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#SegmentReporting" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/SegmentReportingDetails" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#SegmentReportingDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/SegmentReportingTables" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#SegmentReportingTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationCostByAwardTypeDetails" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#ShareBasedCompensationCostByAwardTypeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationScheduleOfRestrictedStockUnitsIncludingAwardsWithPerformanceConditionsDetails" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#ShareBasedCompensationScheduleOfRestrictedStockUnitsIncludingAwardsWithPerformanceConditionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationScheduleOfStockOptionsActivityAndSupplementalInformationDetails" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#ShareBasedCompensationScheduleOfStockOptionsActivityAndSupplementalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsDetails" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#ShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationTables" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#ShareBasedCompensationTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationUnrecognizedCompensationExpenseAndPeriodForRecognitionDetails" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#ShareBasedCompensationUnrecognizedCompensationExpenseAndPeriodForRecognitionDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationValuationAssumptionsUsedForFairValueOfStockOptionsDetails" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#ShareBasedCompensationValuationAssumptionsUsedForFairValueOfStockOptionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/SubsequentEvents" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#SubsequentEvents" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.express.com/role/SubsequentEventsDetails" xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#SubsequentEventsDetails" 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.express.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParentheticals" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/Debt" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/DebtLettersOfCreditDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1E5DB43D4F61C954A105E1D375F42202" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_22CE747E798A4B9612B2E1D375F48832" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1E5DB43D4F61C954A105E1D375F42202" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_22CE747E798A4B9612B2E1D375F48832" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_B33AB5016EF3DF7D1828E1D375F417DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_22CE747E798A4B9612B2E1D375F48832" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_B33AB5016EF3DF7D1828E1D375F417DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_C44FF5FFA178CB7C54EFE1D375F47D47_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_B33AB5016EF3DF7D1828E1D375F417DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_C44FF5FFA178CB7C54EFE1D375F47D47_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_C44FF5FFA178CB7C54EFE1D375F47D47" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_B33AB5016EF3DF7D1828E1D375F417DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_C44FF5FFA178CB7C54EFE1D375F47D47" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_FC203628C7CA3B9C9F7FE1D375F40123" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_C44FF5FFA178CB7C54EFE1D375F47D47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_FC203628C7CA3B9C9F7FE1D375F40123" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_A3BB2D41C7C012C3D2D7E1D375F44E86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_22CE747E798A4B9612B2E1D375F48832" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_A3BB2D41C7C012C3D2D7E1D375F44E86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_95CB76BCC206DE96AE97E1D375F4EF4D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_A3BB2D41C7C012C3D2D7E1D375F44E86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_95CB76BCC206DE96AE97E1D375F4EF4D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_95CB76BCC206DE96AE97E1D375F4EF4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_A3BB2D41C7C012C3D2D7E1D375F44E86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_95CB76BCC206DE96AE97E1D375F4EF4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_StandByLCsMember" xlink:label="loc_expr_StandByLCsMember_A4BD32FF8080561CAFB2E1D375F47224" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_95CB76BCC206DE96AE97E1D375F4EF4D" xlink:to="loc_expr_StandByLCsMember_A4BD32FF8080561CAFB2E1D375F47224" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_5453725CF961E9325492E1D375F7F20F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1E5DB43D4F61C954A105E1D375F42202" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_5453725CF961E9325492E1D375F7F20F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/DebtRevolvingCreditFacilityDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_9C97F4DEC7B113E36E68E1D0614BCC71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_A134E8C9A5C19AEB6D18E1D061480333" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_9C97F4DEC7B113E36E68E1D0614BCC71" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_A134E8C9A5C19AEB6D18E1D061480333" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_28E4E84252DE42A75212E1D061481899" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_A134E8C9A5C19AEB6D18E1D061480333" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_28E4E84252DE42A75212E1D061481899" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_92D14431622E2F24C696E1D0614BB169_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_28E4E84252DE42A75212E1D061481899" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_92D14431622E2F24C696E1D0614BB169_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_92D14431622E2F24C696E1D0614BB169" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_28E4E84252DE42A75212E1D061481899" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_92D14431622E2F24C696E1D0614BB169" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_AC640E0294F018895047E1D0614BDBC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_92D14431622E2F24C696E1D0614BB169" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_AC640E0294F018895047E1D0614BDBC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_AEA8101DD4D1E82A06F0E1D0614B4FE2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_9C97F4DEC7B113E36E68E1D0614BCC71" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_AEA8101DD4D1E82A06F0E1D0614B4FE2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_5C84F4BD1C1EB973966FE1D0614BF841" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_9C97F4DEC7B113E36E68E1D0614BCC71" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_5C84F4BD1C1EB973966FE1D0614BF841" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_4DC187EC9525A5977D88E1D0614B9982" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_9C97F4DEC7B113E36E68E1D0614BCC71" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_4DC187EC9525A5977D88E1D0614B9982" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_FixedChargeRatioNumerator" xlink:label="loc_expr_FixedChargeRatioNumerator_CF270F79B6D7A77F6798E1D0614BC370" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_9C97F4DEC7B113E36E68E1D0614BCC71" xlink:to="loc_expr_FixedChargeRatioNumerator_CF270F79B6D7A77F6798E1D0614BC370" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_FixedChargeRatioDenominator" xlink:label="loc_expr_FixedChargeRatioDenominator_F992DADF2D861F61C122E1D0614BD6E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_9C97F4DEC7B113E36E68E1D0614BCC71" xlink:to="loc_expr_FixedChargeRatioDenominator_F992DADF2D861F61C122E1D0614BD6E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_PercentOfBorrowingBaseInFixedChargeCoverageRatioRestriction" xlink:label="loc_expr_PercentOfBorrowingBaseInFixedChargeCoverageRatioRestriction_1CCF596DDBAC6964D0E8E1D0614B8BEE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_9C97F4DEC7B113E36E68E1D0614BCC71" xlink:to="loc_expr_PercentOfBorrowingBaseInFixedChargeCoverageRatioRestriction_1CCF596DDBAC6964D0E8E1D0614B8BEE" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/DescriptionOfBusinessAndBasisOfPresentation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/DescriptionOfBusinessAndBasisOfPresentationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_DescriptionOfBusinessAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_expr_DescriptionOfBusinessAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems_04C82D226E447D21D814E1D0610CA6BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_DescriptionOfBusinessAndBasisOfPresentationTable" xlink:label="loc_expr_DescriptionOfBusinessAndBasisOfPresentationTable_5B0E75C29926AC45DAE7E1D0610C44D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_expr_DescriptionOfBusinessAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems_04C82D226E447D21D814E1D0610CA6BD" xlink:to="loc_expr_DescriptionOfBusinessAndBasisOfPresentationTable_5B0E75C29926AC45DAE7E1D0610C44D7" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_7B8BFC39BD44C2B2363AE1D0610C0516" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_expr_DescriptionOfBusinessAndBasisOfPresentationTable_5B0E75C29926AC45DAE7E1D0610C44D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_7B8BFC39BD44C2B2363AE1D0610C0516" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_6E8323E51950BA37F22DE1D0610C21A6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_7B8BFC39BD44C2B2363AE1D0610C0516" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_6E8323E51950BA37F22DE1D0610C21A6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_6E8323E51950BA37F22DE1D0610C21A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_7B8BFC39BD44C2B2363AE1D0610C0516" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_6E8323E51950BA37F22DE1D0610C21A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_316D7DC360149B8BCF5AE1D0610CA2E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_6E8323E51950BA37F22DE1D0610C21A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_316D7DC360149B8BCF5AE1D0610CA2E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_4C74A8B40472F2F6E474E1D0610CA65C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_6E8323E51950BA37F22DE1D0610C21A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_4C74A8B40472F2F6E474E1D0610CA65C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_StoreTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_expr_StoreTypeAxis_F1F67DA5C62FB463288DE1D0610CCD60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_expr_DescriptionOfBusinessAndBasisOfPresentationTable_5B0E75C29926AC45DAE7E1D0610C44D7" xlink:to="loc_expr_StoreTypeAxis_F1F67DA5C62FB463288DE1D0610CCD60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_StoreTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_expr_StoreTypeDomain_3FE9F8167329B4E245F3E1D0610C6766_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_expr_StoreTypeAxis_F1F67DA5C62FB463288DE1D0610CCD60" xlink:to="loc_expr_StoreTypeDomain_3FE9F8167329B4E245F3E1D0610C6766_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_StoreTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_expr_StoreTypeDomain_3FE9F8167329B4E245F3E1D0610C6766" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_expr_StoreTypeAxis_F1F67DA5C62FB463288DE1D0610CCD60" xlink:to="loc_expr_StoreTypeDomain_3FE9F8167329B4E245F3E1D0610C6766" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_RetailMember" xlink:label="loc_expr_RetailMember_E3E1A8D0D7B0A69008B4E1D0610CF57A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_expr_StoreTypeDomain_3FE9F8167329B4E245F3E1D0610C6766" xlink:to="loc_expr_RetailMember_E3E1A8D0D7B0A69008B4E1D0610CF57A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_OutletMember" xlink:label="loc_expr_OutletMember_0677DAD1F50D0F3376EFE1D0610CCBFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_expr_StoreTypeDomain_3FE9F8167329B4E245F3E1D0610C6766" xlink:to="loc_expr_OutletMember_0677DAD1F50D0F3376EFE1D0610CCBFE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_AgeofTargetCustomer" xlink:label="loc_expr_AgeofTargetCustomer_459442685F9BDAB86217E1D0610CA4A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_expr_DescriptionOfBusinessAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems_04C82D226E447D21D814E1D0610CA6BD" xlink:to="loc_expr_AgeofTargetCustomer_459442685F9BDAB86217E1D0610CA4A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfStores" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfStores_F961CBD008096712DDF2E1D0610C3334" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_expr_DescriptionOfBusinessAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems_04C82D226E447D21D814E1D0610CA6BD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfStores_F961CBD008096712DDF2E1D0610C3334" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_StoresUnderFranchiseAgreements" xlink:label="loc_expr_StoresUnderFranchiseAgreements_194E062A7777D352EFFBE1D0610CE478" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_expr_DescriptionOfBusinessAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems_04C82D226E447D21D814E1D0610CA6BD" xlink:to="loc_expr_StoresUnderFranchiseAgreements_194E062A7777D352EFFBE1D0610CE478" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_NumberofSubsidiariesUndertheCompaniesCreditorsArrangementAct" xlink:label="loc_expr_NumberofSubsidiariesUndertheCompaniesCreditorsArrangementAct_72621D11A6FAF2FD3E71E1D0610C7DF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_expr_DescriptionOfBusinessAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems_04C82D226E447D21D814E1D0610CA6BD" xlink:to="loc_expr_NumberofSubsidiariesUndertheCompaniesCreditorsArrangementAct_72621D11A6FAF2FD3E71E1D0610C7DF8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/DescriptionOfBusinessAndBasisOfPresentationPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_6B701F4F48DB590DFA5FE6C670E31965" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_EA05EC063F5E601CF44FE6C670E22EE9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_6B701F4F48DB590DFA5FE6C670E31965" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_EA05EC063F5E601CF44FE6C670E22EE9" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_6325ECD0C72E58BC591FE6C670E25593" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_EA05EC063F5E601CF44FE6C670E22EE9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_6325ECD0C72E58BC591FE6C670E25593" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_2BE7251B87B44F720DD4E6C670E24E51_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_6325ECD0C72E58BC591FE6C670E25593" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_2BE7251B87B44F720DD4E6C670E24E51_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_2BE7251B87B44F720DD4E6C670E24E51" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_6325ECD0C72E58BC591FE6C670E25593" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_2BE7251B87B44F720DD4E6C670E24E51" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_PerformanceBasedRestrictedStockUnitsMember" xlink:label="loc_expr_PerformanceBasedRestrictedStockUnitsMember_F3EA9A56E6F266EAA33DE6C670E25622" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_2BE7251B87B44F720DD4E6C670E24E51" xlink:to="loc_expr_PerformanceBasedRestrictedStockUnitsMember_F3EA9A56E6F266EAA33DE6C670E25622" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_22801185095F901F8B50E6C670E3BA41" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_6B701F4F48DB590DFA5FE6C670E31965" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_22801185095F901F8B50E6C670E3BA41" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_ED0AE8E88A7B2574C3762F18CCC2153B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_2C489094F016646BED042F18CCC09214" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_ED0AE8E88A7B2574C3762F18CCC2153B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_2C489094F016646BED042F18CCC09214" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_B7FB8E1772AC5FABAEBB2F18CCC0A8B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_2C489094F016646BED042F18CCC09214" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_B7FB8E1772AC5FABAEBB2F18CCC0A8B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_980F270B0C5FB42110742F18CCC052ED_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_B7FB8E1772AC5FABAEBB2F18CCC0A8B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_980F270B0C5FB42110742F18CCC052ED_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_980F270B0C5FB42110742F18CCC052ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_B7FB8E1772AC5FABAEBB2F18CCC0A8B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_980F270B0C5FB42110742F18CCC052ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_A188CE278890DDD4A6F22F18CCC22415" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_980F270B0C5FB42110742F18CCC052ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_A188CE278890DDD4A6F22F18CCC22415" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_3F1495D60A6FABA1EB562F18CCC2A17D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_980F270B0C5FB42110742F18CCC052ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_3F1495D60A6FABA1EB562F18CCC2A17D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_07936A9DA0955D3EF25F2F18CCC231E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_980F270B0C5FB42110742F18CCC052ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_07936A9DA0955D3EF25F2F18CCC231E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_E1103A30C3D3C3937F6A2F18CCC2BDBE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_2C489094F016646BED042F18CCC09214" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_E1103A30C3D3C3937F6A2F18CCC2BDBE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_4675015F4F8B2A25A5372F18CCC2D6C2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_E1103A30C3D3C3937F6A2F18CCC2BDBE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_4675015F4F8B2A25A5372F18CCC2D6C2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_4675015F4F8B2A25A5372F18CCC2D6C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_E1103A30C3D3C3937F6A2F18CCC2BDBE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_4675015F4F8B2A25A5372F18CCC2D6C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_35FE214868FF46182C082F18CCC20F7E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_4675015F4F8B2A25A5372F18CCC2D6C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_35FE214868FF46182C082F18CCC20F7E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure_D3074B576F883D24C0902F18CCC28157" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_ED0AE8E88A7B2574C3762F18CCC2153B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure_D3074B576F883D24C0902F18CCC28157" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_841DE2DD86FC651D2F132F18CCC2CCEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_ED0AE8E88A7B2574C3762F18CCC2153B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_841DE2DD86FC651D2F132F18CCC2CCEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_Numberofstoresimpairedduringtheperiod" xlink:label="loc_expr_Numberofstoresimpairedduringtheperiod_2114D2D1AAB1DD293AF62F18CCC2E4C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_ED0AE8E88A7B2574C3762F18CCC2153B" xlink:to="loc_expr_Numberofstoresimpairedduringtheperiod_2114D2D1AAB1DD293AF62F18CCC2E4C8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceLineItems_7B43A96F307C2A44B41133EFDE2DBEC2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceTable_5D3E1850F800EEADBEF133EFDE2DBC46" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceLineItems_7B43A96F307C2A44B41133EFDE2DBEC2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceTable_5D3E1850F800EEADBEF133EFDE2DBC46" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceByDeferredTaxAssetAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceByDeferredTaxAssetAxis_300ECB746A6428AF8D3533EFDE2DF891" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceTable_5D3E1850F800EEADBEF133EFDE2DBC46" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceByDeferredTaxAssetAxis_300ECB746A6428AF8D3533EFDE2DF891" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetDomain_50F1C5E62F66212E814733EFDE2DDFC2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceByDeferredTaxAssetAxis_300ECB746A6428AF8D3533EFDE2DF891" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetDomain_50F1C5E62F66212E814733EFDE2DDFC2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetDomain_50F1C5E62F66212E814733EFDE2DDFC2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceByDeferredTaxAssetAxis_300ECB746A6428AF8D3533EFDE2DF891" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetDomain_50F1C5E62F66212E814733EFDE2DDFC2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_DeferredTaxAssetRelatedtoDeferredCompensationMember" xlink:label="loc_expr_DeferredTaxAssetRelatedtoDeferredCompensationMember_94AE3EBB5E26897CE05A33EFDE2D8393" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetDomain_50F1C5E62F66212E814733EFDE2DDFC2" xlink:to="loc_expr_DeferredTaxAssetRelatedtoDeferredCompensationMember_94AE3EBB5E26897CE05A33EFDE2D8393" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations_81FE03E964E590DE37B033EFDE2DFB92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceLineItems_7B43A96F307C2A44B41133EFDE2DBEC2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations_81FE03E964E590DE37B033EFDE2DFB92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIRealizedUponSaleOrLiquidationTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIRealizedUponSaleOrLiquidationTax_A9E91FF4FDA61CA0981133FF3E7FA61B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceLineItems_7B43A96F307C2A44B41133EFDE2DBEC2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIRealizedUponSaleOrLiquidationTax_A9E91FF4FDA61CA0981133FF3E7FA61B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseRestructuringCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseRestructuringCharges_0DFEDED231A83B58B84C33EFDE2DD8EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceLineItems_7B43A96F307C2A44B41133EFDE2DBEC2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseRestructuringCharges_0DFEDED231A83B58B84C33EFDE2DD8EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationDispositionOfBusiness" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationDispositionOfBusiness_052455004F84179519E233EFDE2DFBBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceLineItems_7B43A96F307C2A44B41133EFDE2DBEC2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationDispositionOfBusiness_052455004F84179519E233EFDE2DFBBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_AE5139CBA55BE83DB8F433EFDE2D33A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceLineItems_7B43A96F307C2A44B41133EFDE2DBEC2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_AE5139CBA55BE83DB8F433EFDE2D33A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseShareBasedCompensationCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseShareBasedCompensationCost_78F14F16E8DAE6A114DA33EFDE2D4E79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceLineItems_7B43A96F307C2A44B41133EFDE2DBEC2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseShareBasedCompensationCost_78F14F16E8DAE6A114DA33EFDE2D4E79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_E2781CB88750E813842233EFDE2D0684" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceLineItems_7B43A96F307C2A44B41133EFDE2DBEC2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_E2781CB88750E813842233EFDE2D0684" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefits_CF4C43C118804FC7F51433EFDE2DE7C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceLineItems_7B43A96F307C2A44B41133EFDE2DBEC2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefits_CF4C43C118804FC7F51433EFDE2DE7C8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/IntangibleAssets" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/IntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_IntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems" xlink:label="loc_expr_IntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_07E748ED687B97537728E6C670D2ABA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="loc_expr_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_B5A78B1E4AC2B9785ECCE6C670D2007A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_expr_IntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_07E748ED687B97537728E6C670D2ABA9" xlink:to="loc_expr_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_B5A78B1E4AC2B9785ECCE6C670D2007A" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_1F68B598B8292DA5DAC6E735531ED8C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_expr_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_B5A78B1E4AC2B9785ECCE6C670D2007A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_1F68B598B8292DA5DAC6E735531ED8C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_43373565D1B6C1F921B6E735531E9F07_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_1F68B598B8292DA5DAC6E735531ED8C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_43373565D1B6C1F921B6E735531E9F07_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_43373565D1B6C1F921B6E735531E9F07" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_1F68B598B8292DA5DAC6E735531ED8C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_43373565D1B6C1F921B6E735531E9F07" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAcquiredInPlaceMarketAdjustmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAcquiredInPlaceMarketAdjustmentMember_10BC878216B9110D942BE6C670D28255" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_43373565D1B6C1F921B6E735531E9F07" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAcquiredInPlaceMarketAdjustmentMember_10BC878216B9110D942BE6C670D28255" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_072B4B77523889C8B0B5E6C670D272F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_expr_IntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_07E748ED687B97537728E6C670D2ABA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_072B4B77523889C8B0B5E6C670D272F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_8F21485996404F478480E6C670D31B70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_expr_IntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_07E748ED687B97537728E6C670D2ABA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_8F21485996404F478480E6C670D31B70" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwill_5F6BF311BD871E77561DE6C670D332F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_expr_IntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_07E748ED687B97537728E6C670D2ABA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwill_5F6BF311BD871E77561DE6C670D332F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_016A97CF593F043DE233E6C670D3F626" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_expr_IntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_07E748ED687B97537728E6C670D2ABA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_016A97CF593F043DE233E6C670D3F626" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_58FB5437F3CF9737E1E3E6C670D3963E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_expr_IntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_07E748ED687B97537728E6C670D2ABA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_58FB5437F3CF9737E1E3E6C670D3963E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_F0C354116D2C94B406E5E6C670D330FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_expr_IntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_07E748ED687B97537728E6C670D2ABA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_F0C354116D2C94B406E5E6C670D330FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_FF2E101AEE2F30E068CDE6C670D3CE58" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_expr_IntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_07E748ED687B97537728E6C670D2ABA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_FF2E101AEE2F30E068CDE6C670D3CE58" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/IntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/InvestmentInEquityInterests" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/InvestmentInEquityInterestsEquityMethodInvestmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/LeaseFinancingObligations" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/LeaseFinancingObligationsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_6D01FE5944345940404DE1D060D82C69" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_4F84B81232E16E1CEB97E1D060D5944D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_6D01FE5944345940404DE1D060D82C69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_4F84B81232E16E1CEB97E1D060D5944D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_8B96936292F5F5D985DEE1D060D52F9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_4F84B81232E16E1CEB97E1D060D5944D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_8B96936292F5F5D985DEE1D060D52F9F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_12C075D0C3719C30AE79E1D060D53E15_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_8B96936292F5F5D985DEE1D060D52F9F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_12C075D0C3719C30AE79E1D060D53E15_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_12C075D0C3719C30AE79E1D060D53E15" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_8B96936292F5F5D985DEE1D060D52F9F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_12C075D0C3719C30AE79E1D060D53E15" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember_43A2C26BAB179D70CAA1E1D060D8BB20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_12C075D0C3719C30AE79E1D060D53E15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember_43A2C26BAB179D70CAA1E1D060D8BB20" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeasesBalanceSheetAssetsByMajorClassNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesBalanceSheetAssetsByMajorClassNet_6B0A073B3A0FBFCB1898E1D060D81F5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_6D01FE5944345940404DE1D060D82C69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesBalanceSheetAssetsByMajorClassNet_6B0A073B3A0FBFCB1898E1D060D81F5C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligations_5A1636B8E2B8D57C0EECE1D060D81D22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_6D01FE5944345940404DE1D060D82C69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligations_5A1636B8E2B8D57C0EECE1D060D81D22" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisObligations_CDC0976E59441ADF34DAE1D060D872D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_6D01FE5944345940404DE1D060D82C69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisObligations_CDC0976E59441ADF34DAE1D060D872D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_PeriodToExerciseLeaseOption" xlink:label="loc_expr_PeriodToExerciseLeaseOption_92480577706CB317B4FCE1D060D8A252" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_6D01FE5944345940404DE1D060D82C69" xlink:to="loc_expr_PeriodToExerciseLeaseOption_92480577706CB317B4FCE1D060D8A252" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_4258ED031DB08FB8CD8EE1D060D842AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_6D01FE5944345940404DE1D060D82C69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_4258ED031DB08FB8CD8EE1D060D842AE" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/RestructuringCosts" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/RestructuringCostsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/RestructuringCostsIncurredAndAccruedDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_B611A5E4E9ADA3CE34E13361EF9563CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_0BD555E6D4A2081531AF3361EF94AC7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_B611A5E4E9ADA3CE34E13361EF9563CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_0BD555E6D4A2081531AF3361EF94AC7C" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_AF00D5465F8149AC3A663361EF94F931" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_0BD555E6D4A2081531AF3361EF94AC7C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_AF00D5465F8149AC3A663361EF94F931" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_3ED27CC8E24E5C165BD13361EF9509EF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_AF00D5465F8149AC3A663361EF94F931" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_3ED27CC8E24E5C165BD13361EF9509EF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_3ED27CC8E24E5C165BD13361EF9509EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_AF00D5465F8149AC3A663361EF94F931" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_3ED27CC8E24E5C165BD13361EF9509EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_ProfessionalFeesMember" xlink:label="loc_expr_ProfessionalFeesMember_2662B8C4ABBBC34DCDB43361EF952260" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_3ED27CC8E24E5C165BD13361EF9509EF" xlink:to="loc_expr_ProfessionalFeesMember_2662B8C4ABBBC34DCDB43361EF952260" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_WriteOffofInvestmentMember" xlink:label="loc_expr_WriteOffofInvestmentMember_33C2BC005EC9277B91093361EF95CA90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_3ED27CC8E24E5C165BD13361EF9509EF" xlink:to="loc_expr_WriteOffofInvestmentMember_33C2BC005EC9277B91093361EF95CA90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember_042C9318EB427F3314F13375D4DAF3C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_3ED27CC8E24E5C165BD13361EF9509EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractTerminationMember_042C9318EB427F3314F13375D4DAF3C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_ForeignCurrencyTranslationLossMember" xlink:label="loc_expr_ForeignCurrencyTranslationLossMember_9C5DC2CE8E08CC6ADA173361EF95F57A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_3ED27CC8E24E5C165BD13361EF9509EF" xlink:to="loc_expr_ForeignCurrencyTranslationLossMember_9C5DC2CE8E08CC6ADA173361EF95F57A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_E794A7E6880D67BE227D3361EF95E3B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_B611A5E4E9ADA3CE34E13361EF9563CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_E794A7E6880D67BE227D3361EF95E3B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringReserve" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserve_F36BAB859091ABC768FB3361EF9569F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_E794A7E6880D67BE227D3361EF95E3B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserve_F36BAB859091ABC768FB3361EF9569F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_73946D39551AA08BAED33361EF97853C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_E794A7E6880D67BE227D3361EF95E3B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_73946D39551AA08BAED33361EF97853C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring_6D89F0F89CFA0E8EEB733361EF97389D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_E794A7E6880D67BE227D3361EF95E3B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring_6D89F0F89CFA0E8EEB733361EF97389D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/RestructuringCostsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/RetirementBenefits" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/RetirementBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/SegmentReporting" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/SegmentReportingDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_RevenueFromExternalCustomersLineItems" xlink:label="loc_expr_RevenueFromExternalCustomersLineItems_5C438A75479E7C9E938DE6C670EB579C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_RevenueFromExternalCustomersTable" xlink:label="loc_expr_RevenueFromExternalCustomersTable_9D16118AF8F6EF33C3B5E6C670EAED6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_expr_RevenueFromExternalCustomersLineItems_5C438A75479E7C9E938DE6C670EB579C" xlink:to="loc_expr_RevenueFromExternalCustomersTable_9D16118AF8F6EF33C3B5E6C670EAED6B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_B071DC0B87F71D19EC92E6C670EAEBB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_expr_RevenueFromExternalCustomersTable_9D16118AF8F6EF33C3B5E6C670EAED6B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_B071DC0B87F71D19EC92E6C670EAEBB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_554976B93EB5E3708F69E6C670EA290D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_B071DC0B87F71D19EC92E6C670EAEBB0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_554976B93EB5E3708F69E6C670EA290D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_554976B93EB5E3708F69E6C670EA290D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_B071DC0B87F71D19EC92E6C670EAEBB0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_554976B93EB5E3708F69E6C670EA290D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_SalesRevenueApparelMember" xlink:label="loc_expr_SalesRevenueApparelMember_E411FCEEE04DE829B0CFE6C670EA9060" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_554976B93EB5E3708F69E6C670EA290D" xlink:to="loc_expr_SalesRevenueApparelMember_E411FCEEE04DE829B0CFE6C670EA9060" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_SalesRevenueAccessoriesMember" xlink:label="loc_expr_SalesRevenueAccessoriesMember_50AE5F0A10AEE6B8D621E6C670EA8AF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_554976B93EB5E3708F69E6C670EA290D" xlink:to="loc_expr_SalesRevenueAccessoriesMember_50AE5F0A10AEE6B8D621E6C670EA8AF8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_OtherRevenueMember" xlink:label="loc_expr_OtherRevenueMember_D19A9E2EFEFCF281AB5EE6C670EB7596" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_554976B93EB5E3708F69E6C670EA290D" xlink:to="loc_expr_OtherRevenueMember_D19A9E2EFEFCF281AB5EE6C670EB7596" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_SalesRevenueStoresMember" xlink:label="loc_expr_SalesRevenueStoresMember_579D41250A43CD70420FE6C670EAAE2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_554976B93EB5E3708F69E6C670EA290D" xlink:to="loc_expr_SalesRevenueStoresMember_579D41250A43CD70420FE6C670EAAE2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_SalesRevenueECommerceMember" xlink:label="loc_expr_SalesRevenueECommerceMember_D217A86F20F1C401FEAFE6C670EA1833" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_554976B93EB5E3708F69E6C670EA290D" xlink:to="loc_expr_SalesRevenueECommerceMember_D217A86F20F1C401FEAFE6C670EA1833" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments_46D94B3804F94D6DAD83E6C670EBFB03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_expr_RevenueFromExternalCustomersLineItems_5C438A75479E7C9E938DE6C670EB579C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments_46D94B3804F94D6DAD83E6C670EBFB03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet_9AF5F31F93558374DAF4E6C670EBA7A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_expr_RevenueFromExternalCustomersLineItems_5C438A75479E7C9E938DE6C670EB579C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet_9AF5F31F93558374DAF4E6C670EBA7A8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/SegmentReportingTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationCostByAwardTypeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems_A330EEDABFAF2423A8172E370F3B9698" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTable_43D04129759BAFCAF2F42E370F3B1B70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems_A330EEDABFAF2423A8172E370F3B9698" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTable_43D04129759BAFCAF2F42E370F3B1B70" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_4C2A166C450471DAE8F72E370F3BE2E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTable_43D04129759BAFCAF2F42E370F3B1B70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_4C2A166C450471DAE8F72E370F3BE2E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_6FD19ACD1634D19F5F952E370F3B8F0B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_4C2A166C450471DAE8F72E370F3BE2E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_6FD19ACD1634D19F5F952E370F3B8F0B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_6FD19ACD1634D19F5F952E370F3B8F0B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_4C2A166C450471DAE8F72E370F3BE2E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_6FD19ACD1634D19F5F952E370F3B8F0B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_6077E6C5742F684A17AF2E370F3B3F2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_6FD19ACD1634D19F5F952E370F3B8F0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_6077E6C5742F684A17AF2E370F3B3F2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_A8EB69CC8C0D48BBE9372E370F3BC5F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_6FD19ACD1634D19F5F952E370F3B8F0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_A8EB69CC8C0D48BBE9372E370F3BC5F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_4F97B2EFC644B98BF2AA2E370F3BAB99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems_A330EEDABFAF2423A8172E370F3B9698" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_4F97B2EFC644B98BF2AA2E370F3BAB99" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense_5997AB323067EFAB0C0B2E370F3B3192" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems_A330EEDABFAF2423A8172E370F3B9698" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense_5997AB323067EFAB0C0B2E370F3B3192" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationScheduleOfRestrictedStockUnitsIncludingAwardsWithPerformanceConditionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_BF09D15F779E0B811D8C53685179907F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_A61F7861DA8570B1199A536851792B52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_BF09D15F779E0B811D8C53685179907F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_A61F7861DA8570B1199A536851792B52" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_9F95C6BC5C855F970545536851797050" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_A61F7861DA8570B1199A536851792B52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_9F95C6BC5C855F970545536851797050" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_54332F8D26EB5A52DE8053685179ACFA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_9F95C6BC5C855F970545536851797050" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_54332F8D26EB5A52DE8053685179ACFA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_54332F8D26EB5A52DE8053685179ACFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_9F95C6BC5C855F970545536851797050" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_54332F8D26EB5A52DE8053685179ACFA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_A2010PlanMember" xlink:label="loc_expr_A2010PlanMember_06309FD641A6941D129753685179BBC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_54332F8D26EB5A52DE8053685179ACFA" xlink:to="loc_expr_A2010PlanMember_06309FD641A6941D129753685179BBC8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_F178F4B3D4F733DDB3D3536851794F09" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_A61F7861DA8570B1199A536851792B52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_F178F4B3D4F733DDB3D3536851794F09" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_DED971AF142EDBC63A0553685179BD9E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_F178F4B3D4F733DDB3D3536851794F09" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_DED971AF142EDBC63A0553685179BD9E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_DED971AF142EDBC63A0553685179BD9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_F178F4B3D4F733DDB3D3536851794F09" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_DED971AF142EDBC63A0553685179BD9E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_FB2E0A1CD4C480E24F35536851792917" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_DED971AF142EDBC63A0553685179BD9E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_FB2E0A1CD4C480E24F35536851792917" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_PerformanceBasedRestrictedStockUnitsMember" xlink:label="loc_expr_PerformanceBasedRestrictedStockUnitsMember_427D2D67BE0C778C7DE6536851798DA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_DED971AF142EDBC63A0553685179BD9E" xlink:to="loc_expr_PerformanceBasedRestrictedStockUnitsMember_427D2D67BE0C778C7DE6536851798DA2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_B815CFC95955F98D4AD153685179D757" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_A61F7861DA8570B1199A536851792B52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_B815CFC95955F98D4AD153685179D757" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_80B54A85735D40DBDCF853685179D1A5_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_B815CFC95955F98D4AD153685179D757" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_80B54A85735D40DBDCF853685179D1A5_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_80B54A85735D40DBDCF853685179D1A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_B815CFC95955F98D4AD153685179D757" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_80B54A85735D40DBDCF853685179D1A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_B182AD4D33511927405E53685179C20E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_80B54A85735D40DBDCF853685179D1A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_B182AD4D33511927405E53685179C20E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_8409213D339A879C2CAA53685179B2FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_80B54A85735D40DBDCF853685179D1A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_8409213D339A879C2CAA53685179B2FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_FC2F0B5EBE882B61482753685179D671" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_BF09D15F779E0B811D8C53685179907F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_FC2F0B5EBE882B61482753685179D671" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_E0C0F392AEEA7944B8E653685179D32F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_BF09D15F779E0B811D8C53685179907F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_E0C0F392AEEA7944B8E653685179D32F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_A9599AD110E9C403729D53685179BBDE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_E0C0F392AEEA7944B8E653685179D32F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_A9599AD110E9C403729D53685179BBDE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_5EBD77195AF93C49954B53685179C7EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_E0C0F392AEEA7944B8E653685179D32F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_5EBD77195AF93C49954B53685179C7EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherthanOptionsTargetAdjustmentinPeriod" xlink:label="loc_expr_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherthanOptionsTargetAdjustmentinPeriod_673BA3B17C7981BC357E5368517931A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_E0C0F392AEEA7944B8E653685179D32F" xlink:to="loc_expr_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherthanOptionsTargetAdjustmentinPeriod_673BA3B17C7981BC357E5368517931A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_124B0B21DFBA73ACBD1853685179519F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_E0C0F392AEEA7944B8E653685179D32F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_124B0B21DFBA73ACBD1853685179519F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_67C2B27E61A7D3ECAC49536851792186" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_E0C0F392AEEA7944B8E653685179D32F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_67C2B27E61A7D3ECAC49536851792186" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_4AF67955F9A47B907AAA536851790103" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_BF09D15F779E0B811D8C53685179907F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_4AF67955F9A47B907AAA536851790103" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_CD8F099BE793CAA469215368517910C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_4AF67955F9A47B907AAA536851790103" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_CD8F099BE793CAA469215368517910C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_F433750CBA20D5BAAAF4536851790870" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_4AF67955F9A47B907AAA536851790103" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_F433750CBA20D5BAAAF4536851790870" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherthanOptionsTargetAdjustmentinPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_expr_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherthanOptionsTargetAdjustmentinPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_F2557AC806336E611D6153685179021E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_4AF67955F9A47B907AAA536851790103" xlink:to="loc_expr_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherthanOptionsTargetAdjustmentinPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_F2557AC806336E611D6153685179021E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_E08B3B899A0F80F5A44C5368517CD90B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_4AF67955F9A47B907AAA536851790103" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_E08B3B899A0F80F5A44C5368517CD90B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_7A6E09B5249D1E0210A25368517CCEEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_4AF67955F9A47B907AAA536851790103" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_7A6E09B5249D1E0210A25368517CCEEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherthanOptionsPerformanceConditionPeriod" xlink:label="loc_expr_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherthanOptionsPerformanceConditionPeriod_7C8962BA92C8D6E41E7E5368517CA91F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_BF09D15F779E0B811D8C53685179907F" xlink:to="loc_expr_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherthanOptionsPerformanceConditionPeriod_7C8962BA92C8D6E41E7E5368517CA91F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherthanOptionsPercentofGrantsinPeriod" xlink:label="loc_expr_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherthanOptionsPercentofGrantsinPeriod_12B6787FB46E0D10D89E5368517C68C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_BF09D15F779E0B811D8C53685179907F" xlink:to="loc_expr_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherthanOptionsPercentofGrantsinPeriod_12B6787FB46E0D10D89E5368517C68C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_SharebasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardTargetPercentageOfEquityAwardsEarnedOverThreeYearPerformancePeriod" xlink:label="loc_expr_SharebasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardTargetPercentageOfEquityAwardsEarnedOverThreeYearPerformancePeriod_563FE412EB3DB999C80C5368517CDAB9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_BF09D15F779E0B811D8C53685179907F" xlink:to="loc_expr_SharebasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardTargetPercentageOfEquityAwardsEarnedOverThreeYearPerformancePeriod_563FE412EB3DB999C80C5368517CDAB9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherthanOptionsChangeinPercentofPriorPeriodGrants" xlink:label="loc_expr_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherthanOptionsChangeinPercentofPriorPeriodGrants_0BF26249FFBFA3F7F37E5368517C3500" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_BF09D15F779E0B811D8C53685179907F" xlink:to="loc_expr_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherthanOptionsChangeinPercentofPriorPeriodGrants_0BF26249FFBFA3F7F37E5368517C3500" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue_63DB03D841562B5786605368517C654B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_BF09D15F779E0B811D8C53685179907F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue_63DB03D841562B5786605368517C654B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationScheduleOfStockOptionsActivityAndSupplementalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_VestingDetailsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_expr_VestingDetailsLineItems_E1E37EC8C7F6190422B7E1D06141CBF0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_OtherStockOptionsDetailsTable" xlink:label="loc_expr_OtherStockOptionsDetailsTable_D7D487E27D81ED67FC47E1D06141F55D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_expr_VestingDetailsLineItems_E1E37EC8C7F6190422B7E1D06141CBF0" xlink:to="loc_expr_OtherStockOptionsDetailsTable_D7D487E27D81ED67FC47E1D06141F55D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_0AEF79E76F8747A7C4FAE1D061419393" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_expr_OtherStockOptionsDetailsTable_D7D487E27D81ED67FC47E1D06141F55D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_0AEF79E76F8747A7C4FAE1D061419393" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_22CE146BEE48CA662244E1D0614138F4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_0AEF79E76F8747A7C4FAE1D061419393" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_22CE146BEE48CA662244E1D0614138F4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_22CE146BEE48CA662244E1D0614138F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_0AEF79E76F8747A7C4FAE1D061419393" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_22CE146BEE48CA662244E1D0614138F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_0F9AAB9344D88C8EF327E1D061415C3A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_22CE146BEE48CA662244E1D0614138F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_0F9AAB9344D88C8EF327E1D061415C3A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage_3A5FF30A13878389E5ABE1D06141DC75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_expr_VestingDetailsLineItems_E1E37EC8C7F6190422B7E1D06141CBF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage_3A5FF30A13878389E5ABE1D06141DC75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_C3795705B22B43638807E1D061414D4A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_expr_VestingDetailsLineItems_E1E37EC8C7F6190422B7E1D06141CBF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_C3795705B22B43638807E1D061414D4A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardRequisiteServicePeriod1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardRequisiteServicePeriod1_8D2919ACD81609344649E1D061416539" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_expr_VestingDetailsLineItems_E1E37EC8C7F6190422B7E1D06141CBF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardRequisiteServicePeriod1_8D2919ACD81609344649E1D061416539" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="expr-20170729.xsd#expr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMinimumAgeOfIndividual" xlink:label="loc_expr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMinimumAgeOfIndividual_C022034EC2BC3FEEBE80E1D06141F935" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_expr_VestingDetailsLineItems_E1E37EC8C7F6190422B7E1D06141CBF0" xlink:to="loc_expr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMinimumAgeOfIndividual_C022034EC2BC3FEEBE80E1D06141F935" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2_1006279EB14D58ECB642E1D06141BEE3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_expr_VestingDetailsLineItems_E1E37EC8C7F6190422B7E1D06141CBF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2_1006279EB14D58ECB642E1D06141BEE3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationUnrecognizedCompensationExpenseAndPeriodForRecognitionDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_7C1919A7439547BFF97AEB2A45860AD0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_3BE77F10037E68052D10EB2A4586805A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_7C1919A7439547BFF97AEB2A45860AD0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_3BE77F10037E68052D10EB2A4586805A" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_F36E02167BCDF6957BCCEB2A45869002" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_3BE77F10037E68052D10EB2A4586805A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_F36E02167BCDF6957BCCEB2A45869002" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_11B96A29F90CCB050551EB2A45868F56_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_F36E02167BCDF6957BCCEB2A45869002" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_11B96A29F90CCB050551EB2A45868F56_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_11B96A29F90CCB050551EB2A45868F56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_F36E02167BCDF6957BCCEB2A45869002" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_11B96A29F90CCB050551EB2A45868F56" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_38441F96DD1F4180217BEB2A45861A7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_11B96A29F90CCB050551EB2A45868F56" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_38441F96DD1F4180217BEB2A45861A7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_C41C89ED87763541D016EB2A45860FE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_11B96A29F90CCB050551EB2A45868F56" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_C41C89ED87763541D016EB2A45860FE5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_44EDB6E9F5D3E06FB840EB2A458B4F4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_7C1919A7439547BFF97AEB2A45860AD0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_44EDB6E9F5D3E06FB840EB2A458B4F4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_AD0151278ECF7A4796F9EB2A458B5E5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_7C1919A7439547BFF97AEB2A45860AD0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_AD0151278ECF7A4796F9EB2A458B5E5E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationValuationAssumptionsUsedForFairValueOfStockOptionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_027DE29AD461BB70DBC3EB2A475947CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_CF08C394F3C5AC1FD30BEB2A47576C5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_027DE29AD461BB70DBC3EB2A475947CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_CF08C394F3C5AC1FD30BEB2A47576C5F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_E74768D141154C6AEB22EB2A4757CF13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_CF08C394F3C5AC1FD30BEB2A47576C5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_E74768D141154C6AEB22EB2A4757CF13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_FE765DA215CA3979DFA4EB2A47573C4B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_E74768D141154C6AEB22EB2A4757CF13" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_FE765DA215CA3979DFA4EB2A47573C4B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_FE765DA215CA3979DFA4EB2A47573C4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_E74768D141154C6AEB22EB2A4757CF13" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_FE765DA215CA3979DFA4EB2A47573C4B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockOptionMember_EBF20095E7EB995B82F7EB2A47591377" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_FE765DA215CA3979DFA4EB2A47573C4B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockOptionMember_EBF20095E7EB995B82F7EB2A47591377" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_8428DA892164576784EDEB2A47596C63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_027DE29AD461BB70DBC3EB2A475947CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_8428DA892164576784EDEB2A47596C63" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_33D59FEFCD44EB86AD80EB2A47590BF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_027DE29AD461BB70DBC3EB2A475947CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_33D59FEFCD44EB86AD80EB2A47590BF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_AF620B661A9B6527B6A6EB2A4759E829" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_027DE29AD461BB70DBC3EB2A475947CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_AF620B661A9B6527B6A6EB2A4759E829" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_EEEB45E44B775AD6F252EB2A4759F985" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_027DE29AD461BB70DBC3EB2A475947CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_EEEB45E44B775AD6F252EB2A4759F985" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/SubsequentEvents" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.express.com/role/SubsequentEventsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_D7C02FDE5D152503E9C933EFDDDAFC1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_23B3791671C5062C634E33EFDDDA449E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_D7C02FDE5D152503E9C933EFDDDAFC1B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_23B3791671C5062C634E33EFDDDA449E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_2FFE1EDCAFEC52EB6E2B33EFDDDA9026" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_23B3791671C5062C634E33EFDDDA449E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_2FFE1EDCAFEC52EB6E2B33EFDDDA9026" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1D78CE374458EB18793733EFDDDA4DF3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_2FFE1EDCAFEC52EB6E2B33EFDDDA9026" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1D78CE374458EB18793733EFDDDA4DF3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1D78CE374458EB18793733EFDDDA4DF3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_2FFE1EDCAFEC52EB6E2B33EFDDDA9026" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1D78CE374458EB18793733EFDDDA4DF3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember_84812504BD6D8E1CE67633EFDDDAC551" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1D78CE374458EB18793733EFDDDA4DF3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember_84812504BD6D8E1CE67633EFDDDAC551" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenue_F758517898853BA2B29433EFDDDA4406" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_D7C02FDE5D152503E9C933EFDDDAFC1B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenue_F758517898853BA2B29433EFDDDA4406" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReimbursementRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReimbursementRevenue_94F77DE704134FE3F3C833EFDDDA878C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_D7C02FDE5D152503E9C933EFDDDAFC1B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReimbursementRevenue_94F77DE704134FE3F3C833EFDDDA878C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
</link:linkbase>
