<?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.carters.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLoss" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLoss" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossDetails" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossTables" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/BasisOfPresentation" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#BasisOfPresentation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/BasisOfPresentationNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#BasisOfPresentationNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/BasisOfPresentationPolicies" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#BasisOfPresentationPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesCommitmentReservesDetails" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesCommitmentReservesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/CommonStock" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#CommonStock" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/CommonStockShareRepurchasesDetails" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#CommonStockShareRepurchasesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/CommonStockTables" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#CommonStockTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/Company" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#Company" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquity" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#EarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFairValueMeasurementsBorrowingsDetails" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsFairValueMeasurementsBorrowingsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFairValueMeasurementsInvestmentsDetails" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsFairValueMeasurementsInvestmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssets" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#GoodwillAndIntangibleAssets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsCarryingValueOfIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsCarryingValueOfIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsEstimatedAmortizationExpenseDetails" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsEstimatedAmortizationExpenseDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsGoodwillBySegmentDetails" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsGoodwillBySegmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#IncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/Leases" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#Leases" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/LeasesLeaseCostAndSupplementaryInformationDetails" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#LeasesLeaseCostAndSupplementaryInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/LeasesLeaseMaturityDetails" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#LeasesLeaseMaturityDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/LeasesOperatingLeaseTermOfContractAndAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#LeasesOperatingLeaseTermOfContractAndAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/LeasesTables" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#LeasesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/LongTermDebt" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#LongTermDebt" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/LongTermDebtDetails" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#LongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/LongTermDebtScheduleOfLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#LongTermDebtScheduleOfLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/LongTermDebtTables" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#LongTermDebtTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/OtherCurrentAndLongTermLiabilities" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#OtherCurrentAndLongTermLiabilities" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/OtherCurrentAndLongTermLiabilitiesOtherCurrentLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#OtherCurrentAndLongTermLiabilitiesOtherCurrentLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/OtherCurrentAndLongTermLiabilitiesTables" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#OtherCurrentAndLongTermLiabilitiesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/Restructuring" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#Restructuring" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/RestructuringChargesDetails" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#RestructuringChargesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/RestructuringReserveDetails" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#RestructuringReserveDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/RestructuringTables" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#RestructuringTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/RevenueRecognition" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#RevenueRecognition" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/RevenueRecognitionContractLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#RevenueRecognitionContractLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/RevenueRecognitionDetails" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#RevenueRecognitionDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/RevenueRecognitionTables" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#RevenueRecognitionTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/SegmentInformation" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#SegmentInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/SegmentInformationDetails" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#SegmentInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/SegmentInformationTables" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#SegmentInformationTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/StockBasedCompensation" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#StockBasedCompensation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/StockBasedCompensationDetails" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#StockBasedCompensationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.carters.com/role/StockBasedCompensationTables" xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#StockBasedCompensationTables" 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.carters.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLoss" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_84810FDF7FC2C62D98AD2FEC9CF2F4A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_008C9E2C29EA541A0B412FEC9CEE3844" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_84810FDF7FC2C62D98AD2FEC9CF2F4A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_008C9E2C29EA541A0B412FEC9CEE3844" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_D1D71A1F6084D4269EAE2FEC9CEE9764" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_008C9E2C29EA541A0B412FEC9CEE3844" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_D1D71A1F6084D4269EAE2FEC9CEE9764" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_CCAF92BAB79CBF30A3992FEC9CEE5C92_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_D1D71A1F6084D4269EAE2FEC9CEE9764" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_CCAF92BAB79CBF30A3992FEC9CEE5C92_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_CCAF92BAB79CBF30A3992FEC9CEE5C92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_D1D71A1F6084D4269EAE2FEC9CEE9764" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_CCAF92BAB79CBF30A3992FEC9CEE5C92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember_848ED3A163D349CAABA02FEC9CF222BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_CCAF92BAB79CBF30A3992FEC9CEE5C92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember_848ED3A163D349CAABA02FEC9CF222BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_B66015BD45BEDC009A2E2FEC9CF2C518" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_CCAF92BAB79CBF30A3992FEC9CEE5C92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_B66015BD45BEDC009A2E2FEC9CF2C518" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_CE7892C766DF66A8ECB02FEC9CF2941B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_84810FDF7FC2C62D98AD2FEC9CF2F4A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_CE7892C766DF66A8ECB02FEC9CF2941B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTax_BDA416E73FB8504D50A92FEC9CF2ABD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_84810FDF7FC2C62D98AD2FEC9CF2F4A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTax_BDA416E73FB8504D50A92FEC9CF2ABD1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_E550790D201DD5B4ED992FEC9CF2AD99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_84810FDF7FC2C62D98AD2FEC9CF2F4A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_E550790D201DD5B4ED992FEC9CF2AD99" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/BasisOfPresentation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/BasisOfPresentationNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_2717A4B621C0AFA5F882E5D74EDD5CE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_DFA2245EABC5C3A929ACE5D74EDBF5EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_2717A4B621C0AFA5F882E5D74EDD5CE0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_DFA2245EABC5C3A929ACE5D74EDBF5EE" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsAxis_3B972DC44371DBEA10B1E5D74EDBD592" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_DFA2245EABC5C3A929ACE5D74EDBF5EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsAxis_3B972DC44371DBEA10B1E5D74EDBD592" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain_3A7C9090DD68FF889048E5D74EDC430D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsAxis_3B972DC44371DBEA10B1E5D74EDBD592" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain_3A7C9090DD68FF889048E5D74EDC430D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain_3A7C9090DD68FF889048E5D74EDC430D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsAxis_3B972DC44371DBEA10B1E5D74EDBD592" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain_3A7C9090DD68FF889048E5D74EDC430D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_InventoryandfabricpurchasecommitmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_InventoryandfabricpurchasecommitmentsMember_9C1AEDDDE41AE8CB56CFE5D74EDC15CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain_3A7C9090DD68FF889048E5D74EDC430D" xlink:to="loc_cri_InventoryandfabricpurchasecommitmentsMember_9C1AEDDDE41AE8CB56CFE5D74EDC15CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_B035E811E236FAACCE07E5D74EDCF6B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_DFA2245EABC5C3A929ACE5D74EDBF5EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_B035E811E236FAACCE07E5D74EDCF6B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6B70A797E11426657718E5D74EDCD65F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_B035E811E236FAACCE07E5D74EDCF6B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6B70A797E11426657718E5D74EDCD65F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6B70A797E11426657718E5D74EDCD65F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_B035E811E236FAACCE07E5D74EDCF6B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6B70A797E11426657718E5D74EDCD65F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_InternationalMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_InternationalMember_97126D74384F6312D1ECE5D74EDDABFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6B70A797E11426657718E5D74EDCD65F" xlink:to="loc_cri_InternationalMember_97126D74384F6312D1ECE5D74EDDABFA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryWriteDown" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryWriteDown_06F49F5CB18A5716801BE5D74EDD4056" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_2717A4B621C0AFA5F882E5D74EDD5CE0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryWriteDown_06F49F5CB18A5716801BE5D74EDD4056" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryValuationReserves" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryValuationReserves_22739113383CE5D38F40E5D74EDDB192" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_2717A4B621C0AFA5F882E5D74EDD5CE0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryValuationReserves_22739113383CE5D38F40E5D74EDDB192" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill_EDCB808419FAB86C3E80E5D74EDECA9A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_2717A4B621C0AFA5F882E5D74EDD5CE0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill_EDCB808419FAB86C3E80E5D74EDECA9A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_4298704895F653333B82E5D74EDEEC6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_2717A4B621C0AFA5F882E5D74EDD5CE0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_4298704895F653333B82E5D74EDEEC6E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/BasisOfPresentationPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesCommitmentReservesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_9A918C11A45A4CFB5141BBA07F1BA31F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable_AB6AE389B978F2520D64BBA07F173DDD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_9A918C11A45A4CFB5141BBA07F1BA31F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable_AB6AE389B978F2520D64BBA07F173DDD" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsAxis_B33AF4B9CEBBE1C099CBBBA07F195610" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable_AB6AE389B978F2520D64BBA07F173DDD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsAxis_B33AF4B9CEBBE1C099CBBBA07F195610" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain_77430E977E07B5182BB9BBA07F1A223D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsAxis_B33AF4B9CEBBE1C099CBBBA07F195610" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain_77430E977E07B5182BB9BBA07F1A223D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain_77430E977E07B5182BB9BBA07F1A223D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsAxis_B33AF4B9CEBBE1C099CBBBA07F195610" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain_77430E977E07B5182BB9BBA07F1A223D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_InventoryandfabricpurchasecommitmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_InventoryandfabricpurchasecommitmentsMember_0A9068F3F3232CA61EA5BBA3F1D70812" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsDomain_77430E977E07B5182BB9BBA07F1A223D" xlink:to="loc_cri_InventoryandfabricpurchasecommitmentsMember_0A9068F3F3232CA61EA5BBA3F1D70812" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryValuationReserves" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryValuationReserves_05352CF5C7D2F831B72BBB9CC227E142" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_9A918C11A45A4CFB5141BBA07F1BA31F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryValuationReserves_05352CF5C7D2F831B72BBB9CC227E142" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/CommonStock" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/CommonStockShareRepurchasesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/CommonStockTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/Company" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B9113C56E0FC7641F50EC2785238D5E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_C2A7B0F4C4EC9CB37C36C2785237B049" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B9113C56E0FC7641F50EC2785238D5E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_C2A7B0F4C4EC9CB37C36C2785237B049" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_F15D21DF6490061F0F45C278523721EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_C2A7B0F4C4EC9CB37C36C2785237B049" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_F15D21DF6490061F0F45C278523721EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_25D5FB27FA9CB0B4C9B1C2785237973E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_F15D21DF6490061F0F45C278523721EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_25D5FB27FA9CB0B4C9B1C2785237973E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_25D5FB27FA9CB0B4C9B1C2785237973E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_F15D21DF6490061F0F45C278523721EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_25D5FB27FA9CB0B4C9B1C2785237973E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_B541352BE88B407B671EC278523819DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_25D5FB27FA9CB0B4C9B1C2785237973E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_B541352BE88B407B671EC278523819DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_5C3051263377D380C4CAC27852389FC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_25D5FB27FA9CB0B4C9B1C2785237973E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_5C3051263377D380C4CAC27852389FC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_41DABA242D35B4D15DDAC27852381448" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_25D5FB27FA9CB0B4C9B1C2785237973E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_41DABA242D35B4D15DDAC27852381448" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_0A0C0964E431D74C93C6C278523890B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_25D5FB27FA9CB0B4C9B1C2785237973E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_0A0C0964E431D74C93C6C278523890B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_F941563386A2C9D4DD31C2785238D0D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B9113C56E0FC7641F50EC2785238D5E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_F941563386A2C9D4DD31C2785238D0D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_99B2BE485CE4B6CDD355C278523974AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_F941563386A2C9D4DD31C2785238D0D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_99B2BE485CE4B6CDD355C278523974AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_7FFBF2DB259313532D88C27852391DD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_F941563386A2C9D4DD31C2785238D0D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_7FFBF2DB259313532D88C27852391DD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_9E473C3F547929339D3AC278523986AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_F941563386A2C9D4DD31C2785238D0D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_9E473C3F547929339D3AC278523986AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_50046314CB775509AD35C278523A506A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_F941563386A2C9D4DD31C2785238D0D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_50046314CB775509AD35C278523A506A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_4FF7CE401DB921F7CDAAC278523ACC76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_F941563386A2C9D4DD31C2785238D0D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_4FF7CE401DB921F7CDAAC278523ACC76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_D2598B7DED8FEE6C7CF7C278523A3F29" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_F941563386A2C9D4DD31C2785238D0D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_D2598B7DED8FEE6C7CF7C278523A3F29" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures_3FE480C78F195E7E9B3CC278523A064C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_F941563386A2C9D4DD31C2785238D0D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures_3FE480C78F195E7E9B3CC278523A064C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures_A14F31FBBE09791C5E2EC278523A0327" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_F941563386A2C9D4DD31C2785238D0D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures_A14F31FBBE09791C5E2EC278523A0327" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_E29670EA0854301985E2C278523BAC99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_F941563386A2C9D4DD31C2785238D0D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_E29670EA0854301985E2C278523BAC99" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_A3D5ED816C1904B4F8F5C278523B7F99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_F941563386A2C9D4DD31C2785238D0D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_A3D5ED816C1904B4F8F5C278523B7F99" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_6E3A781CA069EEFF90C8C278523B3CDC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_F941563386A2C9D4DD31C2785238D0D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_6E3A781CA069EEFF90C8C278523B3CDC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash_A959493EF7ACCBBE031FC278523B4720" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_F941563386A2C9D4DD31C2785238D0D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash_A959493EF7ACCBBE031FC278523B4720" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_6FC3EBC265CBA902545AC278523B6420" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_F941563386A2C9D4DD31C2785238D0D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_6FC3EBC265CBA902545AC278523B6420" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCutsAndJobsActOf2017ReclassificationFromAociToRetainedEarningsTaxEffect" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxCutsAndJobsActOf2017ReclassificationFromAociToRetainedEarningsTaxEffect_700C458510C8AFB12CA7C278523B6578" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_F941563386A2C9D4DD31C2785238D0D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxCutsAndJobsActOf2017ReclassificationFromAociToRetainedEarningsTaxEffect_700C458510C8AFB12CA7C278523B6578" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A7CDEDBEED4166C8A14DE52DDB99BB43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A86A13AFB4D17A13DBBFE52DDB9970B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A7CDEDBEED4166C8A14DE52DDB99BB43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A86A13AFB4D17A13DBBFE52DDB9970B3" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_6060664A054C8F13FAD2E52DDB999817" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A86A13AFB4D17A13DBBFE52DDB9970B3" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_6060664A054C8F13FAD2E52DDB999817" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_ABF22836394EF0AFB93BE52DDB99CE1C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_6060664A054C8F13FAD2E52DDB999817" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_ABF22836394EF0AFB93BE52DDB99CE1C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_ABF22836394EF0AFB93BE52DDB99CE1C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_6060664A054C8F13FAD2E52DDB999817" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_ABF22836394EF0AFB93BE52DDB99CE1C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RoyaltyMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RoyaltyMember_AADA5809CB00C6D1E62FE52DDB99B89D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_ABF22836394EF0AFB93BE52DDB99CE1C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RoyaltyMember_AADA5809CB00C6D1E62FE52DDB99B89D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_635A533E639F7A53F1F2E52DDB99CA3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A7CDEDBEED4166C8A14DE52DDB99BB43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_635A533E639F7A53F1F2E52DDB99CA3B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenue_428A2E31FDABDE85543DE52DDB9F6AE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A7CDEDBEED4166C8A14DE52DDB99BB43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenue_428A2E31FDABDE85543DE52DDB9F6AE8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryFirmPurchaseCommitmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryFirmPurchaseCommitmentLoss_FC0B359A8914C4B5F5B3E52DDB9FC012" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A7CDEDBEED4166C8A14DE52DDB99BB43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryFirmPurchaseCommitmentLoss_FC0B359A8914C4B5F5B3E52DDB9FC012" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GrossProfit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GrossProfit_F96638CA83DC7B390F45E52DDB9FDBF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A7CDEDBEED4166C8A14DE52DDB99BB43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GrossProfit_F96638CA83DC7B390F45E52DDB9FDBF8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_0EBB18BD3D672FC0CBC0E52DDB9F5B7F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A7CDEDBEED4166C8A14DE52DDB99BB43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_0EBB18BD3D672FC0CBC0E52DDB9F5B7F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_455DCC6D1DE157362A70E52DDB9FEB0B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A7CDEDBEED4166C8A14DE52DDB99BB43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_455DCC6D1DE157362A70E52DDB9FEB0B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill_1DDC4E14FE3ACC77CE63E52DDB9F942B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A7CDEDBEED4166C8A14DE52DDB99BB43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill_1DDC4E14FE3ACC77CE63E52DDB9F942B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_486568FE5945E4453C2BE52DDB9F4EF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A7CDEDBEED4166C8A14DE52DDB99BB43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_486568FE5945E4453C2BE52DDB9F4EF5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_E1E4A775464EC05CA280E52DDB9FE532" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A7CDEDBEED4166C8A14DE52DDB99BB43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_E1E4A775464EC05CA280E52DDB9FE532" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest_F2EB8E01E4D83FD37CDFE52DDB9F4F5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A7CDEDBEED4166C8A14DE52DDB99BB43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest_F2EB8E01E4D83FD37CDFE52DDB9F4F5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_08E22AB4703047E1D132E52DDB9F1E55" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A7CDEDBEED4166C8A14DE52DDB99BB43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_08E22AB4703047E1D132E52DDB9F1E55" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_E98EEC3C252A2CA9F2C0E52DDB9FEF2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A7CDEDBEED4166C8A14DE52DDB99BB43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_E98EEC3C252A2CA9F2C0E52DDB9FEF2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_38121005203D28396B76E52DDB9F7579" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A7CDEDBEED4166C8A14DE52DDB99BB43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_38121005203D28396B76E52DDB9F7579" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_2616F91441B9CEEE59E3E52DDBA3CEEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A7CDEDBEED4166C8A14DE52DDB99BB43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_2616F91441B9CEEE59E3E52DDBA3CEEA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_53E38D974E36CE021E68E52DDBA36C7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A7CDEDBEED4166C8A14DE52DDB99BB43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_53E38D974E36CE021E68E52DDBA36C7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_A1F72C7A4CC506C2A155E52DDBA395FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A7CDEDBEED4166C8A14DE52DDB99BB43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_A1F72C7A4CC506C2A155E52DDBA395FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_8CBA617D2925A49238C5E52DDBA3918C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A7CDEDBEED4166C8A14DE52DDB99BB43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_8CBA617D2925A49238C5E52DDBA3918C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_CCAC8DF45C054A803A5CE52DDBA35650" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A7CDEDBEED4166C8A14DE52DDB99BB43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_CCAC8DF45C054A803A5CE52DDBA35650" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_89B3E33C8A4D333AEF3FE6E005BE6F7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_21125D668EC423BDFAE8E6E005BDB466" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_89B3E33C8A4D333AEF3FE6E005BE6F7A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_21125D668EC423BDFAE8E6E005BDB466" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_3598D219D726C1D8D5D3E6E005BD4384" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_21125D668EC423BDFAE8E6E005BDB466" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_3598D219D726C1D8D5D3E6E005BD4384" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_6FBA8B008C8CB42CC977E6E005BEA046_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_3598D219D726C1D8D5D3E6E005BD4384" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_6FBA8B008C8CB42CC977E6E005BEA046_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_6FBA8B008C8CB42CC977E6E005BEA046" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_3598D219D726C1D8D5D3E6E005BD4384" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_6FBA8B008C8CB42CC977E6E005BEA046" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_EE26064090F8DC85DBADE6E005BE4187" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_6FBA8B008C8CB42CC977E6E005BEA046" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_EE26064090F8DC85DBADE6E005BE4187" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_365493661662B3A28214E6E005BFDD11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_89B3E33C8A4D333AEF3FE6E005BE6F7A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_365493661662B3A28214E6E005BFDD11" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFairValueMeasurementsBorrowingsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_288A316C58A44CC02F0F2FEC9CEA2B1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_C4A5DF456676913C4DD02FEC9CE6FB44" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_288A316C58A44CC02F0F2FEC9CEA2B1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_C4A5DF456676913C4DD02FEC9CE6FB44" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_5FE12517DD8FCD935A482FEC9CE746AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_C4A5DF456676913C4DD02FEC9CE6FB44" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_5FE12517DD8FCD935A482FEC9CE746AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_8326A8DF80A397B066FA2FEC9CE7D874_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_5FE12517DD8FCD935A482FEC9CE746AF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_8326A8DF80A397B066FA2FEC9CE7D874_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_8326A8DF80A397B066FA2FEC9CE7D874" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_5FE12517DD8FCD935A482FEC9CE746AF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_8326A8DF80A397B066FA2FEC9CE7D874" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_39338B5B95519C7ED4432FEC9CE722FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_8326A8DF80A397B066FA2FEC9CE7D874" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_39338B5B95519C7ED4432FEC9CE722FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_26DC5425E11161125E4E2FEC9CE8805C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_C4A5DF456676913C4DD02FEC9CE6FB44" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_26DC5425E11161125E4E2FEC9CE8805C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_F6745336CC2A62E153112FEC9CE877A0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_26DC5425E11161125E4E2FEC9CE8805C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_F6745336CC2A62E153112FEC9CE877A0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_D1F6B278EF42F8E0D7442FEC9CE824D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_26DC5425E11161125E4E2FEC9CE8805C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_D1F6B278EF42F8E0D7442FEC9CE824D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_F6745336CC2A62E153112FEC9CE877A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_D1F6B278EF42F8E0D7442FEC9CE824D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_F6745336CC2A62E153112FEC9CE877A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_E9FF8E245C8B03E2156A2FEC9CE9E99F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_F6745336CC2A62E153112FEC9CE877A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_E9FF8E245C8B03E2156A2FEC9CE9E99F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_E0889D68F52E969883A72FEC9CE9B063" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_C4A5DF456676913C4DD02FEC9CE6FB44" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_E0889D68F52E969883A72FEC9CE9B063" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_7BC274AC2106D4609E732FEC9CE9C9EB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_E0889D68F52E969883A72FEC9CE9B063" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_7BC274AC2106D4609E732FEC9CE9C9EB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_7BC274AC2106D4609E732FEC9CE9C9EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_E0889D68F52E969883A72FEC9CE9B063" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_7BC274AC2106D4609E732FEC9CE9C9EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_328BFD444933CA4BFBBC2FEC9CE95C2C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_7BC274AC2106D4609E732FEC9CE9C9EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_328BFD444933CA4BFBBC2FEC9CE95C2C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_C85D96B4CB96CD300A0A2FEC9CE98249" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_C4A5DF456676913C4DD02FEC9CE6FB44" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_C85D96B4CB96CD300A0A2FEC9CE98249" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_573ADE2757C411D53B8B2FEC9CEA3172_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_C85D96B4CB96CD300A0A2FEC9CE98249" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_573ADE2757C411D53B8B2FEC9CEA3172_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_573ADE2757C411D53B8B2FEC9CEA3172" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_C85D96B4CB96CD300A0A2FEC9CE98249" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_573ADE2757C411D53B8B2FEC9CEA3172" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_3C557931FF34E9630A7E2FEC9CEAD20E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_573ADE2757C411D53B8B2FEC9CEA3172" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_3C557931FF34E9630A7E2FEC9CEAD20E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_0CC39C37A9D5763053D52FEC9CEA1441" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_573ADE2757C411D53B8B2FEC9CEA3172" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_0CC39C37A9D5763053D52FEC9CEA1441" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_55DF3259E0604B3384652FEC9CEAF981" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_288A316C58A44CC02F0F2FEC9CEA2B1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_55DF3259E0604B3384652FEC9CEAF981" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_7967BDA6C957F7DF97CF2FEC9CEA0AA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_288A316C58A44CC02F0F2FEC9CEA2B1D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_7967BDA6C957F7DF97CF2FEC9CEA0AA2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFairValueMeasurementsInvestmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems_5EF5E0617F2FC48A32FA2FEC9C74E80A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable_D820129CABAF6BDF12282FEC9C736B9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems_5EF5E0617F2FC48A32FA2FEC9C74E80A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable_D820129CABAF6BDF12282FEC9C736B9E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_946717D2F0CB76E556202FEC9C73FD3A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesTable_D820129CABAF6BDF12282FEC9C736B9E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_946717D2F0CB76E556202FEC9C73FD3A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_A9A02D6A61F3FCE163352FEC9C73BF8A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_946717D2F0CB76E556202FEC9C73FD3A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_A9A02D6A61F3FCE163352FEC9C73BF8A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_A9A02D6A61F3FCE163352FEC9C73BF8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_946717D2F0CB76E556202FEC9C73FD3A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_A9A02D6A61F3FCE163352FEC9C73BF8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_012FC98D75D558E6A1042FEC9C7423B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_A9A02D6A61F3FCE163352FEC9C73BF8A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_012FC98D75D558E6A1042FEC9C7423B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure_91C352909F7353F8F0092FEC9C74CAA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems_5EF5E0617F2FC48A32FA2FEC9C74E80A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure_91C352909F7353F8F0092FEC9C74CAA6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments_F37D84B213DFF7A7012B2FEC9C746457" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisValuationTechniquesLineItems_5EF5E0617F2FC48A32FA2FEC9C74E80A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments_F37D84B213DFF7A7012B2FEC9C746457" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_143391F502626EB7F736E6C79AC3EC2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_B29D165B327B1BF1A010E6C79ABA447C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_143391F502626EB7F736E6C79AC3EC2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_B29D165B327B1BF1A010E6C79ABA447C" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_2879811D1A39EC938DA5E6C79ABB8F26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_B29D165B327B1BF1A010E6C79ABA447C" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_2879811D1A39EC938DA5E6C79ABB8F26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_434CE045F4F16937B6DEE6C79ABB2307_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_2879811D1A39EC938DA5E6C79ABB8F26" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_434CE045F4F16937B6DEE6C79ABB2307_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_434CE045F4F16937B6DEE6C79ABB2307" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_2879811D1A39EC938DA5E6C79ABB8F26" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_434CE045F4F16937B6DEE6C79ABB2307" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_F67B1B3069D14C695C68E6C79ABB4ACF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_434CE045F4F16937B6DEE6C79ABB2307" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_F67B1B3069D14C695C68E6C79ABB4ACF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_0382125D45E9D8D03F12E6C79ABB1BE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_B29D165B327B1BF1A010E6C79ABA447C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_0382125D45E9D8D03F12E6C79ABB1BE0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_4F30542562911D36AFFAE6C79ABC7E5C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_0382125D45E9D8D03F12E6C79ABB1BE0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_4F30542562911D36AFFAE6C79ABC7E5C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_4F30542562911D36AFFAE6C79ABC7E5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_0382125D45E9D8D03F12E6C79ABB1BE0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_4F30542562911D36AFFAE6C79ABC7E5C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_WholesaleSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_WholesaleSegmentMember_7F1CFFC690159E50E6ADE6C79ABC0637" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_4F30542562911D36AFFAE6C79ABC7E5C" xlink:to="loc_cri_WholesaleSegmentMember_7F1CFFC690159E50E6ADE6C79ABC0637" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_WholesaleMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_WholesaleMember_4355634172472ECD2167E6C79ABCF7D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_4F30542562911D36AFFAE6C79ABC7E5C" xlink:to="loc_cri_WholesaleMember_4355634172472ECD2167E6C79ABCF7D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_InternationalMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_InternationalMember_5A2A4E13F21C15577AD7E6C79ABCCBC2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_4F30542562911D36AFFAE6C79ABC7E5C" xlink:to="loc_cri_InternationalMember_5A2A4E13F21C15577AD7E6C79ABCCBC2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetailMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetailMember_A370B395E219F0623FC1E6C79AC26882" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_4F30542562911D36AFFAE6C79ABC7E5C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetailMember_A370B395E219F0623FC1E6C79AC26882" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_InternationalSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_InternationalSegmentMember_34E4B9D48EA0DBBDB3B9E6C79AC2E714" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_4F30542562911D36AFFAE6C79ABC7E5C" xlink:to="loc_cri_InternationalSegmentMember_34E4B9D48EA0DBBDB3B9E6C79AC2E714" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_RetailSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_RetailSegmentMember_C8DFC528EE6363E1391CE6C79AC3CED1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_4F30542562911D36AFFAE6C79ABC7E5C" xlink:to="loc_cri_RetailSegmentMember_C8DFC528EE6363E1391CE6C79AC3CED1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_7ADC5117F8DF50D0E22DE6C79AC3B314" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_B29D165B327B1BF1A010E6C79ABA447C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_7ADC5117F8DF50D0E22DE6C79AC3B314" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_6F9FFAB452309A9FEECCE6C79AC32B21_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_7ADC5117F8DF50D0E22DE6C79AC3B314" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_6F9FFAB452309A9FEECCE6C79AC32B21_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_6F9FFAB452309A9FEECCE6C79AC32B21" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_7ADC5117F8DF50D0E22DE6C79AC3B314" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_6F9FFAB452309A9FEECCE6C79AC32B21" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_SkipHopTradeNameMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_SkipHopTradeNameMember_A224BCF9CF039A629739E6C79AC37544" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_6F9FFAB452309A9FEECCE6C79AC32B21" xlink:to="loc_cri_SkipHopTradeNameMember_A224BCF9CF039A629739E6C79AC37544" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_1F60B0A51BA2005D5977E6C79AC3411B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_143391F502626EB7F736E6C79AC3EC2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_1F60B0A51BA2005D5977E6C79AC3411B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill_C4CDDF64DD171C3DCDB7E6C79AC38347" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_143391F502626EB7F736E6C79AC3EC2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill_C4CDDF64DD171C3DCDB7E6C79AC38347" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_1993FF86BD0B3FC715E2E6C79AC34E37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_143391F502626EB7F736E6C79AC3EC2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_1993FF86BD0B3FC715E2E6C79AC34E37" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssets" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsCarryingValueOfIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_cri_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsLineItems_22B96484A526A7F54C83E6C798C11F5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="loc_cri_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTable_BE0AA909EB8EBB4E6857E6C798B1750E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_cri_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsLineItems_22B96484A526A7F54C83E6C798C11F5F" xlink:to="loc_cri_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTable_BE0AA909EB8EBB4E6857E6C798B1750E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_382EC77B2D5ED04BF829E6C798B1CFB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cri_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTable_BE0AA909EB8EBB4E6857E6C798B1750E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_382EC77B2D5ED04BF829E6C798B1CFB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_FEBAAB3BBDD6256B865AE6C798B17B48_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_382EC77B2D5ED04BF829E6C798B1CFB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_FEBAAB3BBDD6256B865AE6C798B17B48_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_FEBAAB3BBDD6256B865AE6C798B17B48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_382EC77B2D5ED04BF829E6C798B1CFB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_FEBAAB3BBDD6256B865AE6C798B17B48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_RetailSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_RetailSegmentMember_2C8E56FCBEFCB5D81DADE6C798B18E86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_FEBAAB3BBDD6256B865AE6C798B17B48" xlink:to="loc_cri_RetailSegmentMember_2C8E56FCBEFCB5D81DADE6C798B18E86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_WholesaleSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_WholesaleSegmentMember_86F015DF99BD08339F62E6C798B1C6CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_FEBAAB3BBDD6256B865AE6C798B17B48" xlink:to="loc_cri_WholesaleSegmentMember_86F015DF99BD08339F62E6C798B1C6CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_InternationalSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_InternationalSegmentMember_184C28F93EF8F3B1D491E6C798B17B3A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_FEBAAB3BBDD6256B865AE6C798B17B48" xlink:to="loc_cri_InternationalSegmentMember_184C28F93EF8F3B1D491E6C798B17B3A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_02B6407A1C53B0D25983E6C798B130FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cri_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTable_BE0AA909EB8EBB4E6857E6C798B1750E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_02B6407A1C53B0D25983E6C798B130FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_7D43E1596C4925AD9482E6C798B1F512_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_02B6407A1C53B0D25983E6C798B130FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_7D43E1596C4925AD9482E6C798B1F512_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_7D43E1596C4925AD9482E6C798B1F512" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_02B6407A1C53B0D25983E6C798B130FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_7D43E1596C4925AD9482E6C798B1F512" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_OtherTradenamesMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_OtherTradenamesMember_D87617C552895472D0EDE6C798B1369D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_7D43E1596C4925AD9482E6C798B1F512" xlink:to="loc_cri_OtherTradenamesMember_D87617C552895472D0EDE6C798B1369D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_SkipHopCustomerRelationshipsMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_SkipHopCustomerRelationshipsMember_12313E04B58D62665844E6C798C16A36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_7D43E1596C4925AD9482E6C798B1F512" xlink:to="loc_cri_SkipHopCustomerRelationshipsMember_12313E04B58D62665844E6C798C16A36" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_CartersMexicoCustomerRelationshipsMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_CartersMexicoCustomerRelationshipsMember_BF16394F138539FF9C4BE6C798C132D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_7D43E1596C4925AD9482E6C798B1F512" xlink:to="loc_cri_CartersMexicoCustomerRelationshipsMember_BF16394F138539FF9C4BE6C798C132D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_D48A6313310B4982FFFBE6C798C16BE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_7D43E1596C4925AD9482E6C798B1F512" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_D48A6313310B4982FFFBE6C798C16BE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_FF607D872FA3A7732318E6C798C16E69" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_7D43E1596C4925AD9482E6C798B1F512" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_FF607D872FA3A7732318E6C798C16E69" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_5194983335A36EAAB94BE6C798C1E131" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cri_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTable_BE0AA909EB8EBB4E6857E6C798B1750E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_5194983335A36EAAB94BE6C798C1E131" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_217EBA202500A742A7EAE6C798C1C9E5_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_5194983335A36EAAB94BE6C798C1E131" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_217EBA202500A742A7EAE6C798C1C9E5_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_217EBA202500A742A7EAE6C798C1C9E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_5194983335A36EAAB94BE6C798C1E131" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_217EBA202500A742A7EAE6C798C1C9E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_CartersTradeNameMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_CartersTradeNameMember_29C8352C7CEE92CA18EEE6C798C11C0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_217EBA202500A742A7EAE6C798C1C9E5" xlink:to="loc_cri_CartersTradeNameMember_29C8352C7CEE92CA18EEE6C798C11C0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_SkipHopTradeNameMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_SkipHopTradeNameMember_205EEFAF7144825A68DAE6C798C1DB95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_217EBA202500A742A7EAE6C798C1C9E5" xlink:to="loc_cri_SkipHopTradeNameMember_205EEFAF7144825A68DAE6C798C1DB95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_OshkoshTradeNameMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_OshkoshTradeNameMember_C68FEC00FE4F5CB03A4FE6C798C1BB34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_217EBA202500A742A7EAE6C798C1C9E5" xlink:to="loc_cri_OshkoshTradeNameMember_C68FEC00FE4F5CB03A4FE6C798C1BB34" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_4DBFD46212E0B49984A9E6C798C1EF3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cri_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTable_BE0AA909EB8EBB4E6857E6C798B1750E" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_4DBFD46212E0B49984A9E6C798C1EF3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_BAFBBC68D6D48E379182E6C798C1397D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_4DBFD46212E0B49984A9E6C798C1EF3F" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_BAFBBC68D6D48E379182E6C798C1397D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_BAFBBC68D6D48E379182E6C798C1397D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_4DBFD46212E0B49984A9E6C798C1EF3F" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_BAFBBC68D6D48E379182E6C798C1397D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_81CB68A4EFEE3CD1F20EE6C798C112BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_BAFBBC68D6D48E379182E6C798C1397D" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_81CB68A4EFEE3CD1F20EE6C798C112BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_DD40F326F5A2215CE23AE6C798C17AE3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_BAFBBC68D6D48E379182E6C798C1397D" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_DD40F326F5A2215CE23AE6C798C17AE3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_FBBC6B5374AF4138A094E6C798C14D23" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cri_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsLineItems_22B96484A526A7F54C83E6C798C11F5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_FBBC6B5374AF4138A094E6C798C14D23" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_IndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" xlink:label="loc_cri_IndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_D3E024E1777A291603E5E6C798C1F620" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cri_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsLineItems_22B96484A526A7F54C83E6C798C11F5F" xlink:to="loc_cri_IndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_D3E024E1777A291603E5E6C798C1F620" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedTrademarks" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedTrademarks_F9333A3DB7553B3AB3FCE6C798C1E1C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cri_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsLineItems_22B96484A526A7F54C83E6C798C11F5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedTrademarks_F9333A3DB7553B3AB3FCE6C798C1E1C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_546727E11163202F0C63E6C798C137C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cri_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsLineItems_22B96484A526A7F54C83E6C798C11F5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_546727E11163202F0C63E6C798C137C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife_9BB474886DB1EC87BCE5E6C798C1D16B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cri_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsLineItems_22B96484A526A7F54C83E6C798C11F5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife_9BB474886DB1EC87BCE5E6C798C1D16B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_30CFCF96BDCA2CB5A3A5E6C798C1EE3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cri_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsLineItems_22B96484A526A7F54C83E6C798C11F5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_30CFCF96BDCA2CB5A3A5E6C798C1EE3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_61BB4E67CEBF22E65683E6C798C1B31C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cri_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsLineItems_22B96484A526A7F54C83E6C798C11F5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_61BB4E67CEBF22E65683E6C798C1B31C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill_F04E076CB7668194FA37E6C798C1FAF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cri_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsLineItems_22B96484A526A7F54C83E6C798C11F5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill_F04E076CB7668194FA37E6C798C1FAF9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsEstimatedAmortizationExpenseDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsGoodwillBySegmentDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_D3D34EA0089C9F28BA12DEF024CD129E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_83CA9075DAE5AC48916BDEF024CD2671" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_D3D34EA0089C9F28BA12DEF024CD129E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_83CA9075DAE5AC48916BDEF024CD2671" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_D5824D931C6CCEAC4F49DEF024CD9EC0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_83CA9075DAE5AC48916BDEF024CD2671" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_D5824D931C6CCEAC4F49DEF024CD9EC0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_8EC74071DF5B034C8837DEF024CDF245_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_D5824D931C6CCEAC4F49DEF024CD9EC0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_8EC74071DF5B034C8837DEF024CDF245_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_8EC74071DF5B034C8837DEF024CDF245" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_D5824D931C6CCEAC4F49DEF024CD9EC0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_8EC74071DF5B034C8837DEF024CDF245" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetailMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetailMember_D6194AB8BD7DC7F096CBDEF024CDCECC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_8EC74071DF5B034C8837DEF024CDF245" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetailMember_D6194AB8BD7DC7F096CBDEF024CDCECC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_WholesaleMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_WholesaleMember_4178AA5CFBB92D43EFD7DEF024CDB5AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_8EC74071DF5B034C8837DEF024CDF245" xlink:to="loc_cri_WholesaleMember_4178AA5CFBB92D43EFD7DEF024CDB5AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_InternationalMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_InternationalMember_F1EFDCDF9AFA1A90B4DADEF024CDB080" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_8EC74071DF5B034C8837DEF024CDF245" xlink:to="loc_cri_InternationalMember_F1EFDCDF9AFA1A90B4DADEF024CDB080" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_165F74EFD5691E46D17CDEF024CD9F42" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_D3D34EA0089C9F28BA12DEF024CD129E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_165F74EFD5691E46D17CDEF024CD9F42" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillGross_B8377E756A0B8C75202BDEF024CD802B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_165F74EFD5691E46D17CDEF024CD9F42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillGross_B8377E756A0B8C75202BDEF024CD802B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_E2DD442FC96851F9D0EDDEF024CDDA25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_165F74EFD5691E46D17CDEF024CD9F42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_E2DD442FC96851F9D0EDDEF024CDDA25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillTranslationAndPurchaseAccountingAdjustments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillTranslationAndPurchaseAccountingAdjustments_62A772B4819589253BBBDEF024CD074D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_165F74EFD5691E46D17CDEF024CD9F42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillTranslationAndPurchaseAccountingAdjustments_62A772B4819589253BBBDEF024CD074D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_ED054ED85DB6FAB8DC17DEF024CD4EE3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_165F74EFD5691E46D17CDEF024CD9F42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_ED054ED85DB6FAB8DC17DEF024CD4EE3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_cri_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsLineItems_DD0A46411A0274240795DEF026BE2FDA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="loc_cri_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTable_115A4783928342C16AFCDEF026BBCEC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_cri_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsLineItems_DD0A46411A0274240795DEF026BE2FDA" xlink:to="loc_cri_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTable_115A4783928342C16AFCDEF026BBCEC5" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReportingUnitAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReportingUnitAxis_79D860343C66F7C70053DEF026BBD9F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cri_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTable_115A4783928342C16AFCDEF026BBCEC5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReportingUnitAxis_79D860343C66F7C70053DEF026BBD9F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReportingUnitDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReportingUnitDomain_217BC029B396BB38729CDEF026BB73F7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReportingUnitAxis_79D860343C66F7C70053DEF026BBD9F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReportingUnitDomain_217BC029B396BB38729CDEF026BB73F7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReportingUnitDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReportingUnitDomain_217BC029B396BB38729CDEF026BB73F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReportingUnitAxis_79D860343C66F7C70053DEF026BBD9F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReportingUnitDomain_217BC029B396BB38729CDEF026BB73F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_SkipHopMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_SkipHopMember_24FF7E4EA4987C8E9777DEF026BC3AEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReportingUnitDomain_217BC029B396BB38729CDEF026BB73F7" xlink:to="loc_cri_SkipHopMember_24FF7E4EA4987C8E9777DEF026BC3AEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_CartersMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_CartersMember_59346E9A8CE44DF499CADEF026BC6211" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReportingUnitDomain_217BC029B396BB38729CDEF026BB73F7" xlink:to="loc_cri_CartersMember_59346E9A8CE44DF499CADEF026BC6211" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_CartersMexicoMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_CartersMexicoMember_A2C38A759F1679795413DEF026BC1437" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReportingUnitDomain_217BC029B396BB38729CDEF026BB73F7" xlink:to="loc_cri_CartersMexicoMember_A2C38A759F1679795413DEF026BC1437" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_C729E1113F3DFB58E515DEF026BC63EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cri_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTable_115A4783928342C16AFCDEF026BBCEC5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_C729E1113F3DFB58E515DEF026BC63EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9A18F93C4F6BD4108879DEF026BDBC4F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_C729E1113F3DFB58E515DEF026BC63EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9A18F93C4F6BD4108879DEF026BDBC4F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9A18F93C4F6BD4108879DEF026BDBC4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_C729E1113F3DFB58E515DEF026BC63EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9A18F93C4F6BD4108879DEF026BDBC4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_InternationalMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_InternationalMember_CB207C3F96F00E29EFB2DEF026BD8E6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9A18F93C4F6BD4108879DEF026BDBC4F" xlink:to="loc_cri_InternationalMember_CB207C3F96F00E29EFB2DEF026BD8E6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_WholesaleSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_WholesaleSegmentMember_346F4C7387D1E1F48EB1DEF026BDA92A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9A18F93C4F6BD4108879DEF026BDBC4F" xlink:to="loc_cri_WholesaleSegmentMember_346F4C7387D1E1F48EB1DEF026BDA92A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_InternationalSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_InternationalSegmentMember_2DDE7CBE9C9E3FFAE1C1DEF026BDE8C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9A18F93C4F6BD4108879DEF026BDBC4F" xlink:to="loc_cri_InternationalSegmentMember_2DDE7CBE9C9E3FFAE1C1DEF026BDE8C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_RetailSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_RetailSegmentMember_88290E9095816ACC60A3DEF026BDEA26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9A18F93C4F6BD4108879DEF026BDBC4F" xlink:to="loc_cri_RetailSegmentMember_88290E9095816ACC60A3DEF026BDEA26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_D2FF768628F938C0BD6CDEF026BE8934" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cri_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTable_115A4783928342C16AFCDEF026BBCEC5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_D2FF768628F938C0BD6CDEF026BE8934" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_D70998FA33686F69414ADEF026BEE6CE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_D2FF768628F938C0BD6CDEF026BE8934" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_D70998FA33686F69414ADEF026BEE6CE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_D70998FA33686F69414ADEF026BEE6CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_D2FF768628F938C0BD6CDEF026BE8934" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_D70998FA33686F69414ADEF026BEE6CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_SkipHopTradeNameMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_SkipHopTradeNameMember_0B5F3A126334B328A2EDDEF026BE9660" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_D70998FA33686F69414ADEF026BEE6CE" xlink:to="loc_cri_SkipHopTradeNameMember_0B5F3A126334B328A2EDDEF026BE9660" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_OshkoshTradeNameMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_OshkoshTradeNameMember_07CF6D1C177CA6E517CFDEF026BEA9A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_D70998FA33686F69414ADEF026BEE6CE" xlink:to="loc_cri_OshkoshTradeNameMember_07CF6D1C177CA6E517CFDEF026BEA9A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_AA379F878F310EA8CA93DEF026BE6D58" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cri_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsLineItems_DD0A46411A0274240795DEF026BE2FDA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_AA379F878F310EA8CA93DEF026BE6D58" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill_39EAF348C5355026C854DEF026BF517B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cri_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsLineItems_DD0A46411A0274240795DEF026BE2FDA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill_39EAF348C5355026C854DEF026BF517B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_C1E07D9642C3320CBB09DEF026BF947C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cri_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsLineItems_DD0A46411A0274240795DEF026BE2FDA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_C1E07D9642C3320CBB09DEF026BF947C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReportingUnitPercentageOfFairValueInExcessOfCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReportingUnitPercentageOfFairValueInExcessOfCarryingAmount_2BE77C61C5093D2BBCC9DEF026BFD363" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cri_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsLineItems_DD0A46411A0274240795DEF026BE2FDA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReportingUnitPercentageOfFairValueInExcessOfCarryingAmount_2BE77C61C5093D2BBCC9DEF026BFD363" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_05C29378EBD33EA29598DEF026BFFA8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cri_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsLineItems_DD0A46411A0274240795DEF026BE2FDA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_05C29378EBD33EA29598DEF026BFFA8B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/Leases" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/LeasesLeaseCostAndSupplementaryInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/LeasesLeaseMaturityDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/LeasesOperatingLeaseTermOfContractAndAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_FD28CF10CEEC44BE88CCC71AF86538A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_750954959F2A5CDA9661C71AF8648103" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_FD28CF10CEEC44BE88CCC71AF86538A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_750954959F2A5CDA9661C71AF8648103" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_27540E5984EC80F23453C71AF8658DFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_750954959F2A5CDA9661C71AF8648103" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_27540E5984EC80F23453C71AF8658DFC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_EBD47768DD5A1ADEAD12C71AF8659711_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_27540E5984EC80F23453C71AF8658DFC" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_EBD47768DD5A1ADEAD12C71AF8659711_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_EBD47768DD5A1ADEAD12C71AF8659711" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_27540E5984EC80F23453C71AF8658DFC" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_EBD47768DD5A1ADEAD12C71AF8659711" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_DA7E41C09D195E33657CC71AF8658458" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_EBD47768DD5A1ADEAD12C71AF8659711" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_DA7E41C09D195E33657CC71AF8658458" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_981A25C3C4C61768F0D7C71AF8656B04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_EBD47768DD5A1ADEAD12C71AF8659711" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_981A25C3C4C61768F0D7C71AF8656B04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_LesseeOperatingLeaseInitialTerm" xlink:label="loc_cri_LesseeOperatingLeaseInitialTerm_386E66F602EB673A3CE1C71AF866BD80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_FD28CF10CEEC44BE88CCC71AF86538A5" xlink:to="loc_cri_LesseeOperatingLeaseInitialTerm_386E66F602EB673A3CE1C71AF866BD80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_LesseeOperatingLeaseOptiontoExtendTerm" xlink:label="loc_cri_LesseeOperatingLeaseOptiontoExtendTerm_C63571578A60DC017CDCC71AF866146C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_FD28CF10CEEC44BE88CCC71AF86538A5" xlink:to="loc_cri_LesseeOperatingLeaseOptiontoExtendTerm_C63571578A60DC017CDCC71AF866146C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_LesseeOperatingLeaseLeaseNotyetCommencedLiabilityIncurred" xlink:label="loc_cri_LesseeOperatingLeaseLeaseNotyetCommencedLiabilityIncurred_7BFEC2134C16B240F115C71AF866FA9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_FD28CF10CEEC44BE88CCC71AF86538A5" xlink:to="loc_cri_LesseeOperatingLeaseLeaseNotyetCommencedLiabilityIncurred_7BFEC2134C16B240F115C71AF866FA9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasePayments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasePayments_6D4F58131F309BFECB1AC71AF866BA6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_FD28CF10CEEC44BE88CCC71AF86538A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasePayments_6D4F58131F309BFECB1AC71AF866BA6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLeaseNotYetCommencedTermOfContract1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLeaseNotYetCommencedTermOfContract1_65133DFD8F29A8EF4DC0C71AF8661B5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_FD28CF10CEEC44BE88CCC71AF86538A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLeaseNotYetCommencedTermOfContract1_65133DFD8F29A8EF4DC0C71AF8661B5D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/LeasesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/LongTermDebt" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/LongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_5D106EEFF8E980096130D63FF31B0636" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_4FE6B8F793855E13AB4DD63FF310350F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_5D106EEFF8E980096130D63FF31B0636" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_4FE6B8F793855E13AB4DD63FF310350F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_ACD1EC0940B15BCA2CC9D684FC6E07F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_4FE6B8F793855E13AB4DD63FF310350F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_ACD1EC0940B15BCA2CC9D684FC6E07F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_73480F3991B5FA043D6BD684FC7FADA4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_ACD1EC0940B15BCA2CC9D684FC6E07F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_73480F3991B5FA043D6BD684FC7FADA4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_73480F3991B5FA043D6BD684FC7FADA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_ACD1EC0940B15BCA2CC9D684FC6E07F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_73480F3991B5FA043D6BD684FC7FADA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_217EAD4CB7EB2B715EEFD687DCB6E0D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_73480F3991B5FA043D6BD684FC7FADA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_217EAD4CB7EB2B715EEFD687DCB6E0D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_B9733D0C011D2AF5F4B5D63FF3100BCE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_4FE6B8F793855E13AB4DD63FF310350F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_B9733D0C011D2AF5F4B5D63FF3100BCE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_75D686B4DE98EBB34904D63FF3105A22_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_B9733D0C011D2AF5F4B5D63FF3100BCE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_75D686B4DE98EBB34904D63FF3105A22_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_75D686B4DE98EBB34904D63FF3105A22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_B9733D0C011D2AF5F4B5D63FF3100BCE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_75D686B4DE98EBB34904D63FF3105A22" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_FivePointSixTwoFivePercentSeniorNotesdueTwentyTwentySevenDomain" xlink:label="loc_cri_FivePointSixTwoFivePercentSeniorNotesdueTwentyTwentySevenDomain_149468C7116E4D37F9B7D63FF31033EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_75D686B4DE98EBB34904D63FF3105A22" xlink:to="loc_cri_FivePointSixTwoFivePercentSeniorNotesdueTwentyTwentySevenDomain_149468C7116E4D37F9B7D63FF31033EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CurrencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_CurrencyAxis_08F9146D86E6706AFD3AD63FF3104737" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_4FE6B8F793855E13AB4DD63FF310350F" xlink:to="loc_srt_CurrencyAxis_08F9146D86E6706AFD3AD63FF3104737" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2019/currency-2019-01-31.xsd#currency_AllCurrenciesDomain" xlink:label="loc_currency_AllCurrenciesDomain_56D6EBAB1B7DFE594098D63FF310273F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_CurrencyAxis_08F9146D86E6706AFD3AD63FF3104737" xlink:to="loc_currency_AllCurrenciesDomain_56D6EBAB1B7DFE594098D63FF310273F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2019/currency-2019-01-31.xsd#currency_AllCurrenciesDomain" xlink:label="loc_currency_AllCurrenciesDomain_56D6EBAB1B7DFE594098D63FF310273F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_CurrencyAxis_08F9146D86E6706AFD3AD63FF3104737" xlink:to="loc_currency_AllCurrenciesDomain_56D6EBAB1B7DFE594098D63FF310273F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2019/currency-2019-01-31.xsd#currency_USD" xlink:label="loc_currency_USD_CC9B190F9116679A789DD63FF3105C98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_currency_AllCurrenciesDomain_56D6EBAB1B7DFE594098D63FF310273F" xlink:to="loc_currency_USD_CC9B190F9116679A789DD63FF3105C98" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_405B418ED067EB183FA2D63FF3102524" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_4FE6B8F793855E13AB4DD63FF310350F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_405B418ED067EB183FA2D63FF3102524" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_DACD249C9FD17453FB11D63FF3108947_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_405B418ED067EB183FA2D63FF3102524" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_DACD249C9FD17453FB11D63FF3108947_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_DACD249C9FD17453FB11D63FF3108947" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_405B418ED067EB183FA2D63FF3102524" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_DACD249C9FD17453FB11D63FF3108947" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_5DD23CF8CA72700B4B50D63FF31059AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_DACD249C9FD17453FB11D63FF3108947" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_5DD23CF8CA72700B4B50D63FF31059AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_84990FE6020DAAB2EF4BD63FF310D800" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_DACD249C9FD17453FB11D63FF3108947" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_84990FE6020DAAB2EF4BD63FF310D800" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis_D4FBB9051540EE35181FD63FF310C7E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_4FE6B8F793855E13AB4DD63FF310350F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis_D4FBB9051540EE35181FD63FF310C7E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_B91A1C87FAF395C82BE2D63FF3104327_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis_D4FBB9051540EE35181FD63FF310C7E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_B91A1C87FAF395C82BE2D63FF3104327_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_B91A1C87FAF395C82BE2D63FF3104327" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis_D4FBB9051540EE35181FD63FF310C7E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_B91A1C87FAF395C82BE2D63FF3104327" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_72FEA8F1A6FA230315E5D63FF3109D6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_4FE6B8F793855E13AB4DD63FF310350F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_72FEA8F1A6FA230315E5D63FF3109D6F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_3DE97F237F4CD944AEF8D63FF310D393_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_72FEA8F1A6FA230315E5D63FF3109D6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_3DE97F237F4CD944AEF8D63FF310D393_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_3DE97F237F4CD944AEF8D63FF310D393" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_72FEA8F1A6FA230315E5D63FF3109D6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_3DE97F237F4CD944AEF8D63FF310D393" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_85B21B58FF85E54ADE1ED63FF31018B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_3DE97F237F4CD944AEF8D63FF310D393" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_85B21B58FF85E54ADE1ED63FF31018B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BaseRateMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BaseRateMember_1BEF9C6C2A43AE7F2FC2D63FF3107685" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_3DE97F237F4CD944AEF8D63FF310D393" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BaseRateMember_1BEF9C6C2A43AE7F2FC2D63FF3107685" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_C86F7B5A3F2B79858B4BD63FF31069CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_4FE6B8F793855E13AB4DD63FF310350F" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_C86F7B5A3F2B79858B4BD63FF31069CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_DB474512132DAD938A96D63FF3109D91_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_C86F7B5A3F2B79858B4BD63FF31069CB" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_DB474512132DAD938A96D63FF3109D91_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_DB474512132DAD938A96D63FF3109D91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_C86F7B5A3F2B79858B4BD63FF31069CB" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_DB474512132DAD938A96D63FF3109D91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_2C15676A7A2B5F3C96CCD63FF3107E4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_DB474512132DAD938A96D63FF3109D91" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_2C15676A7A2B5F3C96CCD63FF3107E4C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_B5BDC4BE2B2CDDA7BF4CD63FF310A1B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_DB474512132DAD938A96D63FF3109D91" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_B5BDC4BE2B2CDDA7BF4CD63FF310A1B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_1DFB93EBB7F8B3737FCBD63FF31C1788" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_5D106EEFF8E980096130D63FF31B0636" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_1DFB93EBB7F8B3737FCBD63FF31C1788" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_463C1FC9B69CFC0D3E61D63FF31C36B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_5D106EEFF8E980096130D63FF31B0636" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_463C1FC9B69CFC0D3E61D63FF31C36B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_6BF8CD5BED2778D61757D63FF31C20EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_5D106EEFF8E980096130D63FF31B0636" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_6BF8CD5BED2778D61757D63FF31C20EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_03E99E0F4809A98FD393D63FF31CA154" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_5D106EEFF8E980096130D63FF31B0636" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_03E99E0F4809A98FD393D63FF31CA154" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_AC1A636E789A5B67195AD63FF31C8155" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_5D106EEFF8E980096130D63FF31B0636" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_AC1A636E789A5B67195AD63FF31C8155" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_0DBB4BE65B0C6EF46FBBD63FF31C13B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_5D106EEFF8E980096130D63FF31B0636" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_0DBB4BE65B0C6EF46FBBD63FF31C13B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_C9F4CD4BFAC7AD97D5BED63FF31C076E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_5D106EEFF8E980096130D63FF31B0636" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_C9F4CD4BFAC7AD97D5BED63FF31C076E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_AC11569E73F807DC1FA6D63FF31C7D08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_5D106EEFF8E980096130D63FF31B0636" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_AC11569E73F807DC1FA6D63FF31C7D08" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis_50FDA4023FD5AA47D6B6D63FF31CD59B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_5D106EEFF8E980096130D63FF31B0636" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis_50FDA4023FD5AA47D6B6D63FF31CD59B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateAtPeriodEnd" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateAtPeriodEnd_4B6852FF7FDB47A36127D63FF31C901C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_5D106EEFF8E980096130D63FF31B0636" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateAtPeriodEnd_4B6852FF7FDB47A36127D63FF31C901C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_584D35E0E1F4DC1B0D2CD63FF31CE5DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_5D106EEFF8E980096130D63FF31B0636" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_584D35E0E1F4DC1B0D2CD63FF31CE5DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_54E58448F43E7B2DEE2AD63FF31CF724" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_5D106EEFF8E980096130D63FF31B0636" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_54E58448F43E7B2DEE2AD63FF31CF724" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage_65A2E0D568A7CED6B78DD696A59F84D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_5D106EEFF8E980096130D63FF31B0636" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage_65A2E0D568A7CED6B78DD696A59F84D4" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/LongTermDebtScheduleOfLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E2551E3E58D4EB9DCB6EBB885F92BDC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_D9E2D90652151850080FBB885F91F065" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E2551E3E58D4EB9DCB6EBB885F92BDC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_D9E2D90652151850080FBB885F91F065" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_93506190A79F97D38964BB8879A22319" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_D9E2D90652151850080FBB885F91F065" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_93506190A79F97D38964BB8879A22319" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_6E9FB6C4D8B7030D3754BB887AE751D4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_93506190A79F97D38964BB8879A22319" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_6E9FB6C4D8B7030D3754BB887AE751D4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_6E9FB6C4D8B7030D3754BB887AE751D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_93506190A79F97D38964BB8879A22319" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_6E9FB6C4D8B7030D3754BB887AE751D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_FivePointSixTwoFivePercentSeniorNotesdueTwentyTwentySevenDomain" xlink:label="loc_cri_FivePointSixTwoFivePercentSeniorNotesdueTwentyTwentySevenDomain_8AFE0F7168EA9CBB1256BB887AF3DC22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_6E9FB6C4D8B7030D3754BB887AE751D4" xlink:to="loc_cri_FivePointSixTwoFivePercentSeniorNotesdueTwentyTwentySevenDomain_8AFE0F7168EA9CBB1256BB887AF3DC22" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_8CAD066A0F80FBF2AB32BB885F914DC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_D9E2D90652151850080FBB885F91F065" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_8CAD066A0F80FBF2AB32BB885F914DC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_C13AA15C3903F5208098BB885F919784_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_8CAD066A0F80FBF2AB32BB885F914DC7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_C13AA15C3903F5208098BB885F919784_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_C13AA15C3903F5208098BB885F919784" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_8CAD066A0F80FBF2AB32BB885F914DC7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_C13AA15C3903F5208098BB885F919784" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_039AD5AA25C32ABA99F9BB885F929CAE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_C13AA15C3903F5208098BB885F919784" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember_039AD5AA25C32ABA99F9BB885F929CAE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_98BE1A2C941628FD99EABB885F92BD8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_C13AA15C3903F5208098BB885F919784" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_98BE1A2C941628FD99EABB885F92BD8F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_23E85FE1A20B8310C32DBB885F920512" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E2551E3E58D4EB9DCB6EBB885F92BDC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_23E85FE1A20B8310C32DBB885F920512" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_811B2A340E4D3096FFEDBB885F92D50F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E2551E3E58D4EB9DCB6EBB885F92BDC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_811B2A340E4D3096FFEDBB885F92D50F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_3D21418817D46B3F1A3CBB885F926E7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E2551E3E58D4EB9DCB6EBB885F92BDC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_3D21418817D46B3F1A3CBB885F926E7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_AF338B54A7E7E2B569E8BB885F94C5B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E2551E3E58D4EB9DCB6EBB885F92BDC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_AF338B54A7E7E2B569E8BB885F94C5B2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/LongTermDebtTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/OtherCurrentAndLongTermLiabilities" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/OtherCurrentAndLongTermLiabilitiesOtherCurrentLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/OtherCurrentAndLongTermLiabilitiesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/Restructuring" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/RestructuringChargesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_EABFA912BDC573E9A93CE60F9DB5C50D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_DE7BCCBDE123F9388C34E60F9DA50907" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_EABFA912BDC573E9A93CE60F9DB5C50D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_DE7BCCBDE123F9388C34E60F9DA50907" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_7ABC39D6F42A72A70EC5E60F9DA500DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_DE7BCCBDE123F9388C34E60F9DA50907" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_7ABC39D6F42A72A70EC5E60F9DA500DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_136A1147C51B489D76A2E60F9DA5FAB1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_7ABC39D6F42A72A70EC5E60F9DA500DD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_136A1147C51B489D76A2E60F9DA5FAB1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_136A1147C51B489D76A2E60F9DA5FAB1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_7ABC39D6F42A72A70EC5E60F9DA500DD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_136A1147C51B489D76A2E60F9DA5FAB1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_EmployeeseveranceandotherbenefitsterminationMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_EmployeeseveranceandotherbenefitsterminationMember_A3BA6998CEC9A951839DE60F9DA58944" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_136A1147C51B489D76A2E60F9DA5FAB1" xlink:to="loc_cri_EmployeeseveranceandotherbenefitsterminationMember_A3BA6998CEC9A951839DE60F9DA58944" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeRelocationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeRelocationMember_C3055AF900E0AA058D20E60F9DA5ED6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_136A1147C51B489D76A2E60F9DA5FAB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeRelocationMember_C3055AF900E0AA058D20E60F9DA5ED6D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_LeaseexitcostsMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_LeaseexitcostsMember_BF6BD97A0097A18E4BFFE60F9DB5094B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_136A1147C51B489D76A2E60F9DA5FAB1" xlink:to="loc_cri_LeaseexitcostsMember_BF6BD97A0097A18E4BFFE60F9DB5094B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember_1CBF3AB8757FC3C028B1E60F9DB580F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_136A1147C51B489D76A2E60F9DA5FAB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember_1CBF3AB8757FC3C028B1E60F9DB580F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_DAA6FC4D4794E80A6CCBE60F9DB569D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_DE7BCCBDE123F9388C34E60F9DA50907" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_DAA6FC4D4794E80A6CCBE60F9DB569D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_8B9C9117B47CAEA9CF51E60F9DB592E8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_DAA6FC4D4794E80A6CCBE60F9DB569D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_8B9C9117B47CAEA9CF51E60F9DB592E8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_8B9C9117B47CAEA9CF51E60F9DB592E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_DAA6FC4D4794E80A6CCBE60F9DB569D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_8B9C9117B47CAEA9CF51E60F9DB592E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember_82A56865CCFDD81952DBE60F9DB5D513" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_8B9C9117B47CAEA9CF51E60F9DB592E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember_82A56865CCFDD81952DBE60F9DB5D513" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_F0DDADD21CE009DD1359E60F9DB5C426" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_EABFA912BDC573E9A93CE60F9DB5C50D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_F0DDADD21CE009DD1359E60F9DB5C426" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/RestructuringReserveDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_1ABC08E1428835356E91C72818356469" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_876091F94E60E634F752C72818332911" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_1ABC08E1428835356E91C72818356469" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_876091F94E60E634F752C72818332911" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_9435FD834EBD681318C6C72818334937" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_876091F94E60E634F752C72818332911" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_9435FD834EBD681318C6C72818334937" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_952E2AB6D9DEE1E1BFC2C7281834B5B3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_9435FD834EBD681318C6C72818334937" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_952E2AB6D9DEE1E1BFC2C7281834B5B3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_952E2AB6D9DEE1E1BFC2C7281834B5B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_9435FD834EBD681318C6C72818334937" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_952E2AB6D9DEE1E1BFC2C7281834B5B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_B9780A2447AA24EC32E0C7281834212B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_952E2AB6D9DEE1E1BFC2C7281834B5B3" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_B9780A2447AA24EC32E0C7281834212B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_9DB55C795DE21E883847C728183461E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_952E2AB6D9DEE1E1BFC2C7281834B5B3" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_9DB55C795DE21E883847C728183461E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_41E040A3CE5C271F7792C7281834EABF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_876091F94E60E634F752C72818332911" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_41E040A3CE5C271F7792C7281834EABF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_7C1F00FF6C4ED7E9C350C72818343BB4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_41E040A3CE5C271F7792C7281834EABF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_7C1F00FF6C4ED7E9C350C72818343BB4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_7C1F00FF6C4ED7E9C350C72818343BB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_41E040A3CE5C271F7792C7281834EABF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_7C1F00FF6C4ED7E9C350C72818343BB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_EmployeeseveranceandotherbenefitsterminationMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_EmployeeseveranceandotherbenefitsterminationMember_9A15E787BAD2A92C9FF8C7281835DF18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_7C1F00FF6C4ED7E9C350C72818343BB4" xlink:to="loc_cri_EmployeeseveranceandotherbenefitsterminationMember_9A15E787BAD2A92C9FF8C7281835DF18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringReserve" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserve_953C141C76E6953CB0E7C7281835D8FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_1ABC08E1428835356E91C72818356469" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserve_953C141C76E6953CB0E7C7281835D8FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1_F32EC08507C398017372C7281836C688" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_1ABC08E1428835356E91C72818356469" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1_F32EC08507C398017372C7281836C688" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/RestructuringTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/RevenueRecognition" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/RevenueRecognitionContractLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/RevenueRecognitionDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_47EBE6C6E0F1A1057DF9E6E0069DB257" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_D68C0DA1A722AC8F1FF7E6E006989D6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_47EBE6C6E0F1A1057DF9E6E0069DB257" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_D68C0DA1A722AC8F1FF7E6E006989D6E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_770D7E8FC0295F43135EE6E006997216" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_D68C0DA1A722AC8F1FF7E6E006989D6E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_770D7E8FC0295F43135EE6E006997216" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_C2ECAFE909105E9AE4E0E6E006994BA9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_770D7E8FC0295F43135EE6E006997216" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_C2ECAFE909105E9AE4E0E6E006994BA9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_C2ECAFE909105E9AE4E0E6E006994BA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_770D7E8FC0295F43135EE6E006997216" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_C2ECAFE909105E9AE4E0E6E006994BA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradeAccountsReceivableMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TradeAccountsReceivableMember_17D4B08C5C7ECB66C703E6E00699EC19" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_C2ECAFE909105E9AE4E0E6E006994BA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TradeAccountsReceivableMember_17D4B08C5C7ECB66C703E6E00699EC19" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_RoyaltiesReceivableMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_RoyaltiesReceivableMember_C409C632D69F92C5B0CBE6E0069A2E87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_C2ECAFE909105E9AE4E0E6E006994BA9" xlink:to="loc_cri_RoyaltiesReceivableMember_C409C632D69F92C5B0CBE6E0069A2E87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_TenantAllowancesAndOtherReceivablesMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_TenantAllowancesAndOtherReceivablesMember_AF0694A641A87703E10AE6E0069A4872" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_C2ECAFE909105E9AE4E0E6E006994BA9" xlink:to="loc_cri_TenantAllowancesAndOtherReceivablesMember_AF0694A641A87703E10AE6E0069A4872" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForCreditLossMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForCreditLossMember_B2533BF6A52D2F71B948E6E0069A4F71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_C2ECAFE909105E9AE4E0E6E006994BA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForCreditLossMember_B2533BF6A52D2F71B948E6E0069A4F71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_C46FC224FB38EF9DD441E6E0069A2DAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_D68C0DA1A722AC8F1FF7E6E006989D6E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_C46FC224FB38EF9DD441E6E0069A2DAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5CC096690DDE2F0EA3CBE6E0069AE3DD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_C46FC224FB38EF9DD441E6E0069A2DAA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5CC096690DDE2F0EA3CBE6E0069AE3DD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5CC096690DDE2F0EA3CBE6E0069AE3DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_C46FC224FB38EF9DD441E6E0069A2DAA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5CC096690DDE2F0EA3CBE6E0069AE3DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetailMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetailMember_4704C98583698098D758E6E0069A464D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5CC096690DDE2F0EA3CBE6E0069AE3DD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetailMember_4704C98583698098D758E6E0069A464D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_WholesaleMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_WholesaleMember_79613620EF2B3E275F83E6E0069BED92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5CC096690DDE2F0EA3CBE6E0069AE3DD" xlink:to="loc_cri_WholesaleMember_79613620EF2B3E275F83E6E0069BED92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_InternationalMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_InternationalMember_CDC2B1C3A9DCCF6F3448E6E0069BD3B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5CC096690DDE2F0EA3CBE6E0069AE3DD" xlink:to="loc_cri_InternationalMember_CDC2B1C3A9DCCF6F3448E6E0069BD3B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_4121F98177A9CB609CC6E6E0069BB706" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_D68C0DA1A722AC8F1FF7E6E006989D6E" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_4121F98177A9CB609CC6E6E0069BB706" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_C837966EEADB25098EAFE6E0069BC7D2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_4121F98177A9CB609CC6E6E0069BB706" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_C837966EEADB25098EAFE6E0069BC7D2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_C837966EEADB25098EAFE6E0069BC7D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_4121F98177A9CB609CC6E6E0069BB706" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_C837966EEADB25098EAFE6E0069BC7D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RoyaltyMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RoyaltyMember_BB931004050BC61F2086E6E0069C2030" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_C837966EEADB25098EAFE6E0069BC7D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RoyaltyMember_BB931004050BC61F2086E6E0069C2030" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerSalesChannelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerSalesChannelAxis_CECD63235F0A085A25B9E6E0069C8AFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_D68C0DA1A722AC8F1FF7E6E006989D6E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerSalesChannelAxis_CECD63235F0A085A25B9E6E0069C8AFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerSalesChannelDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerSalesChannelDomain_A4DE6901BB3770F24CF4E6E0069CE900_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerSalesChannelAxis_CECD63235F0A085A25B9E6E0069C8AFB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerSalesChannelDomain_A4DE6901BB3770F24CF4E6E0069CE900_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerSalesChannelDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerSalesChannelDomain_A4DE6901BB3770F24CF4E6E0069CE900" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerSalesChannelAxis_CECD63235F0A085A25B9E6E0069C8AFB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerSalesChannelDomain_A4DE6901BB3770F24CF4E6E0069CE900" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_WholesaleApparelPieceGoodsandNotionsMemberMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_WholesaleApparelPieceGoodsandNotionsMemberMember_123F7281429E023D6A50E6E0069CD168" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerSalesChannelDomain_A4DE6901BB3770F24CF4E6E0069CE900" xlink:to="loc_cri_WholesaleApparelPieceGoodsandNotionsMemberMember_123F7281429E023D6A50E6E0069CD168" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_RetailApparelandAccessoryStoresMemberMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_RetailApparelandAccessoryStoresMemberMember_5468C34B192E312F0AB0E6E0069DEF03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerSalesChannelDomain_A4DE6901BB3770F24CF4E6E0069CE900" xlink:to="loc_cri_RetailApparelandAccessoryStoresMemberMember_5468C34B192E312F0AB0E6E0069DEF03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_45B2BEA3769F02AF9291E6E0069DA7FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_47EBE6C6E0F1A1057DF9E6E0069DB257" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_45B2BEA3769F02AF9291E6E0069DA7FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableGrossCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableGrossCurrent_08990378E4740A3DA350E6E0069D67DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_47EBE6C6E0F1A1057DF9E6E0069DB257" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableGrossCurrent_08990378E4740A3DA350E6E0069D67DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent_A7DCF9C1A2618260DAC2E6E0069DB98D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_47EBE6C6E0F1A1057DF9E6E0069DB257" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent_A7DCF9C1A2618260DAC2E6E0069DB98D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivablesNetCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReceivablesNetCurrent_44841C8026851C16A57DE6E0069EF6A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_47EBE6C6E0F1A1057DF9E6E0069DB257" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReceivablesNetCurrent_44841C8026851C16A57DE6E0069EF6A0" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/RevenueRecognitionTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/SegmentInformation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/SegmentInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_45D88F48D9C518C6D826E6C789CB64F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_DE153DE5B328BA486952E6C789CB552E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_45D88F48D9C518C6D826E6C789CB64F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_DE153DE5B328BA486952E6C789CB552E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_99822FED932CA4C34206E6C789CB4805" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_DE153DE5B328BA486952E6C789CB552E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_99822FED932CA4C34206E6C789CB4805" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_310586D751C49A3F1084E6C789CB434A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_99822FED932CA4C34206E6C789CB4805" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_310586D751C49A3F1084E6C789CB434A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_310586D751C49A3F1084E6C789CB434A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_99822FED932CA4C34206E6C789CB4805" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_310586D751C49A3F1084E6C789CB434A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_SkipHopTradeNameMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_SkipHopTradeNameMember_B534AB6969ACD6C1DA9EE6C789CB3A8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_310586D751C49A3F1084E6C789CB434A" xlink:to="loc_cri_SkipHopTradeNameMember_B534AB6969ACD6C1DA9EE6C789CB3A8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_777030DB0A22AC68BA46E6C789CB09F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_DE153DE5B328BA486952E6C789CB552E" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_777030DB0A22AC68BA46E6C789CB09F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_C83D6524C8F422ABA9AEE6C789CBBE71_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_777030DB0A22AC68BA46E6C789CB09F5" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_C83D6524C8F422ABA9AEE6C789CBBE71_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_C83D6524C8F422ABA9AEE6C789CBBE71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_777030DB0A22AC68BA46E6C789CB09F5" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_C83D6524C8F422ABA9AEE6C789CBBE71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_EBE93AFAD5635DBF28D3E6C789CB1DAE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_C83D6524C8F422ABA9AEE6C789CBBE71" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_EBE93AFAD5635DBF28D3E6C789CB1DAE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_A5681A631D39CB852C13E6C789CB2086" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_C83D6524C8F422ABA9AEE6C789CBBE71" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_A5681A631D39CB852C13E6C789CB2086" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_F09C53A102162ADD83B4E6C789CB3CE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_DE153DE5B328BA486952E6C789CB552E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_F09C53A102162ADD83B4E6C789CB3CE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1761A08B49A317640BFCE6C789CB6224_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_F09C53A102162ADD83B4E6C789CB3CE7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1761A08B49A317640BFCE6C789CB6224_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1761A08B49A317640BFCE6C789CB6224" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_F09C53A102162ADD83B4E6C789CB3CE7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1761A08B49A317640BFCE6C789CB6224" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_WholesaleMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_WholesaleMember_6DB7DBA297219209ACE8E6C789CB4D04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1761A08B49A317640BFCE6C789CB6224" xlink:to="loc_cri_WholesaleMember_6DB7DBA297219209ACE8E6C789CB4D04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetailMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetailMember_AFB9945AD35899D95973E6C789CBCDBE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1761A08B49A317640BFCE6C789CB6224" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetailMember_AFB9945AD35899D95973E6C789CBCDBE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_InternationalMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_InternationalMember_8FDC273F331F1F4726E4E6C789CB4735" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1761A08B49A317640BFCE6C789CB6224" xlink:to="loc_cri_InternationalMember_8FDC273F331F1F4726E4E6C789CB4735" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_WholesaleSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_WholesaleSegmentMember_AF993DA01351F59FB9C6E6C789CBFEA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1761A08B49A317640BFCE6C789CB6224" xlink:to="loc_cri_WholesaleSegmentMember_AF993DA01351F59FB9C6E6C789CBFEA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_InternationalSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_InternationalSegmentMember_8D50A2EB537CFDFA0FD0E6C789CB16DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1761A08B49A317640BFCE6C789CB6224" xlink:to="loc_cri_InternationalSegmentMember_8D50A2EB537CFDFA0FD0E6C789CB16DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_RetailSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_RetailSegmentMember_32F700FDC8DAF2026D1EE6C789CBBA0A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1761A08B49A317640BFCE6C789CB6224" xlink:to="loc_cri_RetailSegmentMember_32F700FDC8DAF2026D1EE6C789CBBA0A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_AB165BFD9643FFF8F311E6C789CB48F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_45D88F48D9C518C6D826E6C789CB64F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_AB165BFD9643FFF8F311E6C789CB48F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_1AF72B957DDFFCFADDDDE6C789CB0A6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_45D88F48D9C518C6D826E6C789CB64F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_1AF72B957DDFFCFADDDDE6C789CB0A6F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpenses_15B3DABD8EFC767AF209E6C789CB23CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_45D88F48D9C518C6D826E6C789CB64F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpenses_15B3DABD8EFC767AF209E6C789CB23CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_514D02AC20C03FC900A8E6C789CB42E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_45D88F48D9C518C6D826E6C789CB64F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_514D02AC20C03FC900A8E6C789CB42E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_PercentageOfTotalNetSales" xlink:label="loc_cri_PercentageOfTotalNetSales_88050EEEF13F31CC948FE6C789CB8A2E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_45D88F48D9C518C6D826E6C789CB64F1" xlink:to="loc_cri_PercentageOfTotalNetSales_88050EEEF13F31CC948FE6C789CB8A2E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_1A530BDE5F6E561AC475E6C789CBF9B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_45D88F48D9C518C6D826E6C789CB64F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_1A530BDE5F6E561AC475E6C789CBF9B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_OperatingIncomeAsPercentageOfSegmentNetSales" xlink:label="loc_cri_OperatingIncomeAsPercentageOfSegmentNetSales_8F8B353C83930545BB4DE6C789CB2A6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_45D88F48D9C518C6D826E6C789CB64F1" xlink:to="loc_cri_OperatingIncomeAsPercentageOfSegmentNetSales_8F8B353C83930545BB4DE6C789CB2A6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_CorporateExpenses" xlink:label="loc_cri_CorporateExpenses_E7FB9B80EF385C04452BE6C789CB0922" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_45D88F48D9C518C6D826E6C789CB64F1" xlink:to="loc_cri_CorporateExpenses_E7FB9B80EF385C04452BE6C789CB0922" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_Corporateexpenseasapercentageofsegmentnetsales" xlink:label="loc_cri_Corporateexpenseasapercentageofsegmentnetsales_EEA939D5DC9BB74C6CBEE6C789CBED74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_45D88F48D9C518C6D826E6C789CB64F1" xlink:to="loc_cri_Corporateexpenseasapercentageofsegmentnetsales_EEA939D5DC9BB74C6CBEE6C789CBED74" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill_DB37EDD92D5F1F57C900E6C789CB492B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_45D88F48D9C518C6D826E6C789CB64F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill_DB37EDD92D5F1F57C900E6C789CB492B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/SegmentInformationTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/StockBasedCompensation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/StockBasedCompensationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_AEA799661DECA9232F34C278518C4E81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_8FD89FF4D9C67C1E0A64C278518A4A2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_AEA799661DECA9232F34C278518C4E81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_8FD89FF4D9C67C1E0A64C278518A4A2A" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_F03DEBF97A83868F7813C278518BE9C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_8FD89FF4D9C67C1E0A64C278518A4A2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_F03DEBF97A83868F7813C278518BE9C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_F550B9C4C157D5F338EEC278518BC788_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_F03DEBF97A83868F7813C278518BE9C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_F550B9C4C157D5F338EEC278518BC788_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_F550B9C4C157D5F338EEC278518BC788" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_F03DEBF97A83868F7813C278518BE9C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_F550B9C4C157D5F338EEC278518BC788" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_4E6096B28157D0588BE7C278518B65CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_F550B9C4C157D5F338EEC278518BC788" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_4E6096B28157D0588BE7C278518B65CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="cri-20200328.xsd#cri_TimebasedrestrictedstockMember" xlink:label="loc_cri_TimebasedrestrictedstockMember_898DCDD2C313362BD8FBC278518CF9D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_F550B9C4C157D5F338EEC278518BC788" xlink:to="loc_cri_TimebasedrestrictedstockMember_898DCDD2C313362BD8FBC278518CF9D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_515A476F4D4B4A0A7F3DC278518C51F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_F550B9C4C157D5F338EEC278518BC788" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_515A476F4D4B4A0A7F3DC278518C51F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_6BE90A3466E5E1976032C278518C8FC0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_AEA799661DECA9232F34C278518C4E81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_6BE90A3466E5E1976032C278518C8FC0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized_8C85F3DB741055B192BAC278518CA5B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_AEA799661DECA9232F34C278518C4E81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized_8C85F3DB741055B192BAC278518CA5B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_AE9A105AAAFE78B45290C278518D196F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_AEA799661DECA9232F34C278518C4E81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_AE9A105AAAFE78B45290C278518D196F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_BFBE4088C648CB7211E6C278518DC1C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_AEA799661DECA9232F34C278518C4E81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_BFBE4088C648CB7211E6C278518DC1C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_5F1882A746A26D61049AC278518DFCCA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_AEA799661DECA9232F34C278518C4E81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_5F1882A746A26D61049AC278518DFCCA" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.carters.com/role/StockBasedCompensationTables" xlink:type="extended" />
</link:linkbase>
