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

<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!--Copyright 2022 Workiva-->
<!--r:bdf3330d-26fa-49dc-b404-58d87e888a89,g:0db42664-8dea-4cf1-8764-fdfe7d8d752e-->
<link:linkbase xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd">
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all"/>
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension"/>
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default"/>
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain"/>
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/DocumentandEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#DocumentandEntityInformation"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/DocumentandEntityInformation" xlink:type="extended" id="ia42129df1f3e489d8692790387f9fbb1_DocumentandEntityInformation">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_3a3c1691-d69d-4a4d-9d9f-bda59c37886c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityInformationLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentType_2163b759-6264-4b53-bff7-7e2e1e213a10" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_DocumentType"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_3a3c1691-d69d-4a4d-9d9f-bda59c37886c" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentType_2163b759-6264-4b53-bff7-7e2e1e213a10" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport_e979b4f9-81de-4b92-9d9a-7077403c0a5b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_3a3c1691-d69d-4a4d-9d9f-bda59c37886c" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport_e979b4f9-81de-4b92-9d9a-7077403c0a5b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_81b9afc0-3ed9-4b74-81a4-088dba3001c2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_3a3c1691-d69d-4a4d-9d9f-bda59c37886c" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_81b9afc0-3ed9-4b74-81a4-088dba3001c2" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentTransitionReport_2928e072-f50b-45e8-86af-b5e49cc84f72" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_DocumentTransitionReport"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_3a3c1691-d69d-4a4d-9d9f-bda59c37886c" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentTransitionReport_2928e072-f50b-45e8-86af-b5e49cc84f72" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFileNumber_3782ab8d-dbd5-4a57-87aa-eef57c5541b5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityFileNumber"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_3a3c1691-d69d-4a4d-9d9f-bda59c37886c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFileNumber_3782ab8d-dbd5-4a57-87aa-eef57c5541b5" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_f604d875-aa9a-4cb3-b00d-150db6800c1e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_3a3c1691-d69d-4a4d-9d9f-bda59c37886c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_f604d875-aa9a-4cb3-b00d-150db6800c1e" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_c13226a2-d25d-4af6-bc0f-b576956edfa1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_3a3c1691-d69d-4a4d-9d9f-bda59c37886c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_c13226a2-d25d-4af6-bc0f-b576956edfa1" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_64e77189-e1ed-47db-a7db-3db3f2adf512" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_3a3c1691-d69d-4a4d-9d9f-bda59c37886c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_64e77189-e1ed-47db-a7db-3db3f2adf512" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_747a5e0b-47e4-482b-ac1d-8cd2b2b154b9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_3a3c1691-d69d-4a4d-9d9f-bda59c37886c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_747a5e0b-47e4-482b-ac1d-8cd2b2b154b9" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_81d45fa8-990d-4358-a175-d2c2d50dea1b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_3a3c1691-d69d-4a4d-9d9f-bda59c37886c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_81d45fa8-990d-4358-a175-d2c2d50dea1b" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_ea41fe10-448b-46b5-a583-d5407b850c95" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_3a3c1691-d69d-4a4d-9d9f-bda59c37886c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_ea41fe10-448b-46b5-a583-d5407b850c95" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_a626ac62-0ba8-4b6d-a31f-fab1b0bf8f52" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_3a3c1691-d69d-4a4d-9d9f-bda59c37886c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_a626ac62-0ba8-4b6d-a31f-fab1b0bf8f52" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_CityAreaCode_1299cde4-3e12-485e-bc8a-7a11f7b68e2a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_CityAreaCode"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_3a3c1691-d69d-4a4d-9d9f-bda59c37886c" xlink:to="loc_dei_CityAreaCode_1299cde4-3e12-485e-bc8a-7a11f7b68e2a" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LocalPhoneNumber_97c5eba5-f65b-4b19-a57b-3651e4b969e9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_LocalPhoneNumber"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_3a3c1691-d69d-4a4d-9d9f-bda59c37886c" xlink:to="loc_dei_LocalPhoneNumber_97c5eba5-f65b-4b19-a57b-3651e4b969e9" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_Security12bTitle_5d4d99ea-1049-47a2-9529-49097c66570e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_Security12bTitle"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_3a3c1691-d69d-4a4d-9d9f-bda59c37886c" xlink:to="loc_dei_Security12bTitle_5d4d99ea-1049-47a2-9529-49097c66570e" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_TradingSymbol_94de0e5c-7e8f-483e-8708-6d0de6e06f7d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_TradingSymbol"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_3a3c1691-d69d-4a4d-9d9f-bda59c37886c" xlink:to="loc_dei_TradingSymbol_94de0e5c-7e8f-483e-8708-6d0de6e06f7d" xlink:type="arc" order="15"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_SecurityExchangeName_4e949b11-1847-4784-b87e-2f98b9f67776" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_SecurityExchangeName"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_3a3c1691-d69d-4a4d-9d9f-bda59c37886c" xlink:to="loc_dei_SecurityExchangeName_4e949b11-1847-4784-b87e-2f98b9f67776" xlink:type="arc" order="16"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_fe0599e8-e1eb-41fe-812e-73130710ae30" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_3a3c1691-d69d-4a4d-9d9f-bda59c37886c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_fe0599e8-e1eb-41fe-812e-73130710ae30" xlink:type="arc" order="17"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_3062a867-2c9e-4a10-903f-f29d143fba01" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_3a3c1691-d69d-4a4d-9d9f-bda59c37886c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_3062a867-2c9e-4a10-903f-f29d143fba01" xlink:type="arc" order="18"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_ead79e77-c4e2-45ce-899c-3f88b2a7f926" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_3a3c1691-d69d-4a4d-9d9f-bda59c37886c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_ead79e77-c4e2-45ce-899c-3f88b2a7f926" xlink:type="arc" order="19"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_1d658274-ed77-47cd-8ff8-7e0acb7e548e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_3a3c1691-d69d-4a4d-9d9f-bda59c37886c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_1d658274-ed77-47cd-8ff8-7e0acb7e548e" xlink:type="arc" order="20"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_27906b60-ed42-4dc5-9312-7e2ddcb880a8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntitySmallBusiness"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_3a3c1691-d69d-4a4d-9d9f-bda59c37886c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_27906b60-ed42-4dc5-9312-7e2ddcb880a8" xlink:type="arc" order="21"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityShellCompany_fd997cb1-a1b0-4faa-92fd-e9c568749ac0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityShellCompany"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_3a3c1691-d69d-4a4d-9d9f-bda59c37886c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityShellCompany_fd997cb1-a1b0-4faa-92fd-e9c568749ac0" xlink:type="arc" order="22"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_ef504084-aed2-42cb-bc10-60c20c62fb9a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_3a3c1691-d69d-4a4d-9d9f-bda59c37886c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_ef504084-aed2-42cb-bc10-60c20c62fb9a" xlink:type="arc" order="23"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_bacbf3b2-c99f-4a7b-b3fd-f92ab0efc85e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_3a3c1691-d69d-4a4d-9d9f-bda59c37886c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_bacbf3b2-c99f-4a7b-b3fd-f92ab0efc85e" xlink:type="arc" order="24"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_33fea7c8-dda7-4121-8910-81bbcb1aec9e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_3a3c1691-d69d-4a4d-9d9f-bda59c37886c" xlink:to="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_33fea7c8-dda7-4121-8910-81bbcb1aec9e" xlink:type="arc" order="25"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_3607f46d-b630-4c91-8c6a-f36648de6d28" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_3a3c1691-d69d-4a4d-9d9f-bda59c37886c" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_3607f46d-b630-4c91-8c6a-f36648de6d28" xlink:type="arc" order="26"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_9c41478a-0435-4e31-bac2-000ae00367c6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_3a3c1691-d69d-4a4d-9d9f-bda59c37886c" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_9c41478a-0435-4e31-bac2-000ae00367c6" xlink:type="arc" order="27"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_5e31b679-5020-4a0a-966f-c5fcfaa1f0bc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_3a3c1691-d69d-4a4d-9d9f-bda59c37886c" xlink:to="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_5e31b679-5020-4a0a-966f-c5fcfaa1f0bc" xlink:type="arc" order="28"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntitiesTable_b07accc8-2c47-45c0-9b2d-3ce410f74ffe" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntitiesTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_3a3c1691-d69d-4a4d-9d9f-bda59c37886c" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntitiesTable_b07accc8-2c47-45c0-9b2d-3ce410f74ffe" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_80764d67-a7fa-479a-b69f-d7c3feee4095" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntitiesTable_b07accc8-2c47-45c0-9b2d-3ce410f74ffe" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_80764d67-a7fa-479a-b69f-d7c3feee4095" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_80764d67-a7fa-479a-b69f-d7c3feee4095_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_80764d67-a7fa-479a-b69f-d7c3feee4095" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_80764d67-a7fa-479a-b69f-d7c3feee4095_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_82aab28a-6752-47bc-99d2-172052b3230b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_80764d67-a7fa-479a-b69f-d7c3feee4095" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_82aab28a-6752-47bc-99d2-172052b3230b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesDPreferredStockMember_c0092bb5-e3e5-43d5-931c-3e912108a6f0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesDPreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_82aab28a-6752-47bc-99d2-172052b3230b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesDPreferredStockMember_c0092bb5-e3e5-43d5-931c-3e912108a6f0" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesEPreferredStockMember_458cd4b2-7d6c-4299-89e2-67a35b111720" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesEPreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_82aab28a-6752-47bc-99d2-172052b3230b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesEPreferredStockMember_458cd4b2-7d6c-4299-89e2-67a35b111720" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesFPreferredStockMember_a9a5972c-31f4-407c-83ff-ae135bf6856a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesFPreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_82aab28a-6752-47bc-99d2-172052b3230b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesFPreferredStockMember_a9a5972c-31f4-407c-83ff-ae135bf6856a" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityListingsExchangeAxis_f821c094-d4b9-45b3-a780-0521a034195b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityListingsExchangeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntitiesTable_b07accc8-2c47-45c0-9b2d-3ce410f74ffe" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityListingsExchangeAxis_f821c094-d4b9-45b3-a780-0521a034195b" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_ExchangeDomain_f821c094-d4b9-45b3-a780-0521a034195b_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_ExchangeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityListingsExchangeAxis_f821c094-d4b9-45b3-a780-0521a034195b" xlink:to="loc_dei_ExchangeDomain_f821c094-d4b9-45b3-a780-0521a034195b_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_ExchangeDomain_ddf04146-0c56-4ace-bd70-227644684686" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_ExchangeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityListingsExchangeAxis_f821c094-d4b9-45b3-a780-0521a034195b" xlink:to="loc_dei_ExchangeDomain_ddf04146-0c56-4ace-bd70-227644684686" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_exch_XNYS_98eaa78b-4d98-4c89-8f41-a367a0f3489a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/exch/2022/exch-2022.xsd#exch_XNYS"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_ExchangeDomain_ddf04146-0c56-4ace-bd70-227644684686" xlink:to="loc_exch_XNYS_98eaa78b-4d98-4c89-8f41-a367a0f3489a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofIncome" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsofIncome"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofIncome" xlink:type="extended" id="i76da9bbfc2dd49ff940471e6cdbf6f24_ConsolidatedStatementsofIncome">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_dfc45f92-9849-466f-b6af-ee3e4ede21eb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperatingAbstract_d8748f15-2644-4372-aa1d-cc96270fbfef" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperatingAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_dfc45f92-9849-466f-b6af-ee3e4ede21eb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperatingAbstract_d8748f15-2644-4372-aa1d-cc96270fbfef" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndFeeIncomeLoansAndLeases_ec8be15d-f702-4c0f-9be3-47d7f1255800" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestAndFeeIncomeLoansAndLeases"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperatingAbstract_d8748f15-2644-4372-aa1d-cc96270fbfef" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndFeeIncomeLoansAndLeases_ec8be15d-f702-4c0f-9be3-47d7f1255800" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeSecuritiesByTaxableStatusAbstract_f347ba6e-e356-4136-9396-09046e79871a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeSecuritiesByTaxableStatusAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperatingAbstract_d8748f15-2644-4372-aa1d-cc96270fbfef" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeSecuritiesByTaxableStatusAbstract_f347ba6e-e356-4136-9396-09046e79871a" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeSecuritiesTaxable_3f6b485f-fe82-4e10-ba24-376cea005133" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeSecuritiesTaxable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeSecuritiesByTaxableStatusAbstract_f347ba6e-e356-4136-9396-09046e79871a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeSecuritiesTaxable_3f6b485f-fe82-4e10-ba24-376cea005133" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeSecuritiesTaxExempt_f29581e1-a1c9-47fb-85d2-691b1418e5b5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeSecuritiesTaxExempt"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeSecuritiesByTaxableStatusAbstract_f347ba6e-e356-4136-9396-09046e79871a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeSecuritiesTaxExempt_f29581e1-a1c9-47fb-85d2-691b1418e5b5" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherInterestAndDividendIncome_1d246aa4-3007-4659-8ec4-ec68f98c337c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherInterestAndDividendIncome"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperatingAbstract_d8748f15-2644-4372-aa1d-cc96270fbfef" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherInterestAndDividendIncome_1d246aa4-3007-4659-8ec4-ec68f98c337c" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating_030f99d9-1257-4947-8067-5d421129d2ac" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperatingAbstract_d8748f15-2644-4372-aa1d-cc96270fbfef" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating_030f99d9-1257-4947-8067-5d421129d2ac" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_128bb05e-8102-40c2-ae01-a1949913c5c5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_dfc45f92-9849-466f-b6af-ee3e4ede21eb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_128bb05e-8102-40c2-ae01-a1949913c5c5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDeposits_755ebfca-c2e0-4c3a-b379-0198a9d2aa9d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseDeposits"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_128bb05e-8102-40c2-ae01-a1949913c5c5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDeposits_755ebfca-c2e0-4c3a-b379-0198a9d2aa9d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseFederalFundsPurchasedAndSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase_90c8f9ba-f351-4979-9885-dabba0d227bf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseFederalFundsPurchasedAndSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_128bb05e-8102-40c2-ae01-a1949913c5c5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseFederalFundsPurchasedAndSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase_90c8f9ba-f351-4979-9885-dabba0d227bf" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseOtherShortTermBorrowings_96642697-280a-4581-96cf-803b58caf50b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseOtherShortTermBorrowings"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_128bb05e-8102-40c2-ae01-a1949913c5c5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseOtherShortTermBorrowings_96642697-280a-4581-96cf-803b58caf50b" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_InterestonFHLBFunding_72b1790b-8318-4941-85c7-ca681057164b" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_InterestonFHLBFunding"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_128bb05e-8102-40c2-ae01-a1949913c5c5" xlink:to="loc_asb_InterestonFHLBFunding_72b1790b-8318-4941-85c7-ca681057164b" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseLongTermDebt_41ba7da3-2251-4fe2-88dd-53d5e238052a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseLongTermDebt"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_128bb05e-8102-40c2-ae01-a1949913c5c5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseLongTermDebt_41ba7da3-2251-4fe2-88dd-53d5e238052a" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_28b310ee-85d3-4840-9574-ed4fc789b8d6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_128bb05e-8102-40c2-ae01-a1949913c5c5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_28b310ee-85d3-4840-9574-ed4fc789b8d6" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet_75def798-6228-40ef-bbc8-5cd6c4701357" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_dfc45f92-9849-466f-b6af-ee3e4ede21eb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet_75def798-6228-40ef-bbc8-5cd6c4701357" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLosses_fd877cde-56d0-4bd6-ae98-ed91e33b3a2f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLosses"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_dfc45f92-9849-466f-b6af-ee3e4ede21eb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLosses_fd877cde-56d0-4bd6-ae98-ed91e33b3a2f" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseAfterProvisionForLoanLoss_1bfa3236-3382-4783-80d6-ebf6bd4f9481" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseAfterProvisionForLoanLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_dfc45f92-9849-466f-b6af-ee3e4ede21eb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseAfterProvisionForLoanLoss_1bfa3236-3382-4783-80d6-ebf6bd4f9481" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract_866a66ac-0860-4938-96b2-0107a430c7bd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_dfc45f92-9849-466f-b6af-ee3e4ede21eb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract_866a66ac-0860-4938-96b2-0107a430c7bd" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_NoninterestIncomeInScopeofTopic606_4006b68b-51d6-4adb-be23-08436f34e066" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_NoninterestIncomeInScopeofTopic606"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract_866a66ac-0860-4938-96b2-0107a430c7bd" xlink:to="loc_asb_NoninterestIncomeInScopeofTopic606_4006b68b-51d6-4adb-be23-08436f34e066" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_f21e51ab-e760-4eae-8967-3e235c825ce8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract_866a66ac-0860-4938-96b2-0107a430c7bd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_f21e51ab-e760-4eae-8967-3e235c825ce8" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_CapitalMarketFeesNet_e373c0f9-bd0c-42b4-abe5-e77fff299564" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_CapitalMarketFeesNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract_866a66ac-0860-4938-96b2-0107a430c7bd" xlink:to="loc_asb_CapitalMarketFeesNet_e373c0f9-bd0c-42b4-abe5-e77fff299564" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FeesAndCommissionsMortgageBankingAndServicing_13a702b0-2cc6-4d47-a6a4-7d9bb3ffe0a2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FeesAndCommissionsMortgageBankingAndServicing"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract_866a66ac-0860-4938-96b2-0107a430c7bd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FeesAndCommissionsMortgageBankingAndServicing_13a702b0-2cc6-4d47-a6a4-7d9bb3ffe0a2" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BankOwnedLifeInsuranceIncome_c61ff1a0-03cc-4a40-9e60-6b77bde3d2a7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BankOwnedLifeInsuranceIncome"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract_866a66ac-0860-4938-96b2-0107a430c7bd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BankOwnedLifeInsuranceIncome_c61ff1a0-03cc-4a40-9e60-6b77bde3d2a7" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1_3913eb89-b6bf-475c-bf7d-c39e3cec8ebe" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract_866a66ac-0860-4938-96b2-0107a430c7bd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1_3913eb89-b6bf-475c-bf7d-c39e3cec8ebe" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleRealizedGainLossExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairment_5bcc0027-c477-4693-aab9-b70e60e6a523" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleRealizedGainLossExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairment"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract_866a66ac-0860-4938-96b2-0107a430c7bd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleRealizedGainLossExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairment_5bcc0027-c477-4693-aab9-b70e60e6a523" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness_171dd86d-5674-4db3-ad27-ce97823ac0d9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract_866a66ac-0860-4938-96b2-0107a430c7bd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness_171dd86d-5674-4db3-ad27-ce97823ac0d9" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfAssets_c6d396b9-51c9-4afe-abdb-aa78f1349944" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract_866a66ac-0860-4938-96b2-0107a430c7bd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfAssets_c6d396b9-51c9-4afe-abdb-aa78f1349944" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeOtherOperatingIncome_2c87cf1e-8467-4dde-b530-93f873f1273f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeOtherOperatingIncome"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract_866a66ac-0860-4938-96b2-0107a430c7bd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeOtherOperatingIncome_2c87cf1e-8467-4dde-b530-93f873f1273f" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestIncome_9b087534-4c0c-4091-aa14-9a4e9237d716" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NoninterestIncome"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract_866a66ac-0860-4938-96b2-0107a430c7bd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestIncome_9b087534-4c0c-4091-aa14-9a4e9237d716" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract_bd0c0975-670e-4727-aa11-69db96c6da3e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_dfc45f92-9849-466f-b6af-ee3e4ede21eb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract_bd0c0975-670e-4727-aa11-69db96c6da3e" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense_60b7fb46-baad-45eb-8298-cdbc4ff6154a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract_bd0c0975-670e-4727-aa11-69db96c6da3e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense_60b7fb46-baad-45eb-8298-cdbc4ff6154a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InformationTechnologyAndDataProcessing_7002ea02-9654-45dd-8aeb-e929318abc9c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InformationTechnologyAndDataProcessing"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract_bd0c0975-670e-4727-aa11-69db96c6da3e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InformationTechnologyAndDataProcessing_7002ea02-9654-45dd-8aeb-e929318abc9c" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OccupancyNet_24994f0a-1a34-407f-aafd-f4794e79f372" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OccupancyNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract_bd0c0975-670e-4727-aa11-69db96c6da3e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OccupancyNet_24994f0a-1a34-407f-aafd-f4794e79f372" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketingAndAdvertisingExpense_4a0f5987-e2e0-47d1-8861-40f52b24acfe" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MarketingAndAdvertisingExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract_bd0c0975-670e-4727-aa11-69db96c6da3e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketingAndAdvertisingExpense_4a0f5987-e2e0-47d1-8861-40f52b24acfe" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquipmentExpense_2652d1f4-d801-4e91-b3ba-b70640785fc1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquipmentExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract_bd0c0975-670e-4727-aa11-69db96c6da3e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquipmentExpense_2652d1f4-d801-4e91-b3ba-b70640785fc1" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfessionalFees_9f500a89-39db-43b3-8602-6c2a6e1d6b79" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProfessionalFees"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract_bd0c0975-670e-4727-aa11-69db96c6da3e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfessionalFees_9f500a89-39db-43b3-8602-6c2a6e1d6b79" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_LoanAndForeclosureCosts_902da503-2660-4174-99c4-a68218620be3" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_LoanAndForeclosureCosts"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract_bd0c0975-670e-4727-aa11-69db96c6da3e" xlink:to="loc_asb_LoanAndForeclosureCosts_902da503-2660-4174-99c4-a68218620be3" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FederalDepositInsuranceCorporationPremiumExpense_219dac4e-4bd9-4725-a522-9272de081ae3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FederalDepositInsuranceCorporationPremiumExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract_bd0c0975-670e-4727-aa11-69db96c6da3e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FederalDepositInsuranceCorporationPremiumExpense_219dac4e-4bd9-4725-a522-9272de081ae3" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_07cf25a1-9c28-4700-91b6-b9da34230229" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract_bd0c0975-670e-4727-aa11-69db96c6da3e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_07cf25a1-9c28-4700-91b6-b9da34230229" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoninterestExpense_00821c85-238e-46ea-82fb-ad8309de77df" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoninterestExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract_bd0c0975-670e-4727-aa11-69db96c6da3e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoninterestExpense_00821c85-238e-46ea-82fb-ad8309de77df" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpense_ced12e07-b553-4178-9be3-aa0f72a6511b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NoninterestExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract_bd0c0975-670e-4727-aa11-69db96c6da3e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpense_ced12e07-b553-4178-9be3-aa0f72a6511b" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_05340951-395e-43b8-8725-8dbc028915d0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_dfc45f92-9849-466f-b6af-ee3e4ede21eb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_05340951-395e-43b8-8725-8dbc028915d0" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_a541cbe1-cf11-4e12-811f-cf9b1bfbb3e6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_dfc45f92-9849-466f-b6af-ee3e4ede21eb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_a541cbe1-cf11-4e12-811f-cf9b1bfbb3e6" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_cca5df39-e149-4678-aa54-bf2c0dfc83b6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_dfc45f92-9849-466f-b6af-ee3e4ede21eb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_cca5df39-e149-4678-aa54-bf2c0dfc83b6" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsAndOtherAdjustments_60f241e6-f0b9-495b-909b-72767ec88091" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsAndOtherAdjustments"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_dfc45f92-9849-466f-b6af-ee3e4ede21eb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsAndOtherAdjustments_60f241e6-f0b9-495b-909b-72767ec88091" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_b64d07a4-e073-4f22-95ac-6cba723c44ae" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_dfc45f92-9849-466f-b6af-ee3e4ede21eb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_b64d07a4-e073-4f22-95ac-6cba723c44ae" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_a034f013-8c26-4015-8415-a6961d25ff72" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_dfc45f92-9849-466f-b6af-ee3e4ede21eb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_a034f013-8c26-4015-8415-a6961d25ff72" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_1188f7af-bf8d-4d2d-9a30-97885e82b1fb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_a034f013-8c26-4015-8415-a6961d25ff72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_1188f7af-bf8d-4d2d-9a30-97885e82b1fb" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_6f23e313-a6ad-4a5b-a22a-f7f9b56626ae" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_a034f013-8c26-4015-8415-a6961d25ff72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_6f23e313-a6ad-4a5b-a22a-f7f9b56626ae" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_33c6f475-fd18-47d5-bbcc-4d7351a11c27" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_dfc45f92-9849-466f-b6af-ee3e4ede21eb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_33c6f475-fd18-47d5-bbcc-4d7351a11c27" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_8ed6fe9c-9e0d-4f3e-9173-589902b059ea" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_33c6f475-fd18-47d5-bbcc-4d7351a11c27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_8ed6fe9c-9e0d-4f3e-9173-589902b059ea" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_b9edbce0-e354-439f-96cb-1f7569078616" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_33c6f475-fd18-47d5-bbcc-4d7351a11c27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_b9edbce0-e354-439f-96cb-1f7569078616" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_f4f2238a-13bd-4728-b08d-d21f8ecbc274" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_dfc45f92-9849-466f-b6af-ee3e4ede21eb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_f4f2238a-13bd-4728-b08d-d21f8ecbc274" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_6be872eb-1059-4326-9ebd-61bcf2fbc073" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_f4f2238a-13bd-4728-b08d-d21f8ecbc274" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_6be872eb-1059-4326-9ebd-61bcf2fbc073" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_6be872eb-1059-4326-9ebd-61bcf2fbc073_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_6be872eb-1059-4326-9ebd-61bcf2fbc073" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_6be872eb-1059-4326-9ebd-61bcf2fbc073_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_1405ae8c-3748-48eb-98fe-63d26575a4c6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_6be872eb-1059-4326-9ebd-61bcf2fbc073" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_1405ae8c-3748-48eb-98fe-63d26575a4c6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiduciaryAndTrustMember_360cca95-e89d-48fe-967a-76f02380f5d0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiduciaryAndTrustMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_1405ae8c-3748-48eb-98fe-63d26575a4c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiduciaryAndTrustMember_360cca95-e89d-48fe-967a-76f02380f5d0" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepositAccountMember_4f94e1b6-3838-475e-8cea-abf0a8fb94dd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DepositAccountMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_1405ae8c-3748-48eb-98fe-63d26575a4c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepositAccountMember_4f94e1b6-3838-475e-8cea-abf0a8fb94dd" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditAndDebitCardMember_760b12dd-e6f3-4e42-95e3-3b87ca55d066" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CreditAndDebitCardMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_1405ae8c-3748-48eb-98fe-63d26575a4c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditAndDebitCardMember_760b12dd-e6f3-4e42-95e3-3b87ca55d066" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialServiceOtherMember_da022f25-7fbf-4012-a75a-93cea3628e65" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialServiceOtherMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_1405ae8c-3748-48eb-98fe-63d26575a4c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialServiceOtherMember_da022f25-7fbf-4012-a75a-93cea3628e65" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofChangesinStockholdersEquityUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsofChangesinStockholdersEquityUnaudited"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofChangesinStockholdersEquityUnaudited" xlink:type="extended" id="i76a139f6216f42ad9dbd057ed03b2f37_ConsolidatedStatementsofChangesinStockholdersEquityUnaudited">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_c27fb411-d85f-46f2-a9ef-b6b89048f2f4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_468b01eb-aa00-4793-b3c8-9d4e7eeb3df9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_c27fb411-d85f-46f2-a9ef-b6b89048f2f4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_468b01eb-aa00-4793-b3c8-9d4e7eeb3df9" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_9728ee4d-d4be-4e0f-a7b4-ec210879ace0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_468b01eb-aa00-4793-b3c8-9d4e7eeb3df9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_9728ee4d-d4be-4e0f-a7b4-ec210879ace0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract_940e9d57-8d2d-4d19-8ea9-28a82298f611" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_468b01eb-aa00-4793-b3c8-9d4e7eeb3df9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract_940e9d57-8d2d-4d19-8ea9-28a82298f611" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_0c3f2b14-9a1d-4f40-b707-3abbd7c63973" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract_940e9d57-8d2d-4d19-8ea9-28a82298f611" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_0c3f2b14-9a1d-4f40-b707-3abbd7c63973" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_69070dcb-75f4-467b-ac1e-f855f44cd5f6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract_940e9d57-8d2d-4d19-8ea9-28a82298f611" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_69070dcb-75f4-467b-ac1e-f855f44cd5f6" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_414eaa38-e19b-40bc-8d8c-aa81e6a56e86" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract_940e9d57-8d2d-4d19-8ea9-28a82298f611" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_414eaa38-e19b-40bc-8d8c-aa81e6a56e86" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_CommonStockIssuedAbstract_1b55edd5-755d-40f3-8c8b-a20e2e167520" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_CommonStockIssuedAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_468b01eb-aa00-4793-b3c8-9d4e7eeb3df9" xlink:to="loc_asb_CommonStockIssuedAbstract_1b55edd5-755d-40f3-8c8b-a20e2e167520" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation_a42e7cb6-e554-4364-9d42-0cf177401bd7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_CommonStockIssuedAbstract_1b55edd5-755d-40f3-8c8b-a20e2e167520" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation_a42e7cb6-e554-4364-9d42-0cf177401bd7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions_13a12417-19aa-4869-b178-7db2e88a931e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_CommonStockIssuedAbstract_1b55edd5-755d-40f3-8c8b-a20e2e167520" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions_13a12417-19aa-4869-b178-7db2e88a931e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_f82ef8ab-b920-450d-b170-aeeaf6f8dd93" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_CommonStockIssuedAbstract_1b55edd5-755d-40f3-8c8b-a20e2e167520" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_f82ef8ab-b920-450d-b170-aeeaf6f8dd93" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod_aa448ed3-e9f3-4cd2-be63-a0dd164f3a26" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_468b01eb-aa00-4793-b3c8-9d4e7eeb3df9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod_aa448ed3-e9f3-4cd2-be63-a0dd164f3a26" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsAbstract_0fe7bd95-2d98-4872-af27-1c3e9e8f19bc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_468b01eb-aa00-4793-b3c8-9d4e7eeb3df9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsAbstract_0fe7bd95-2d98-4872-af27-1c3e9e8f19bc" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash_6658c4db-7c70-4da5-b9d0-96d2b4b14854" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DividendsAbstract_0fe7bd95-2d98-4872-af27-1c3e9e8f19bc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash_6658c4db-7c70-4da5-b9d0-96d2b4b14854" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash_9783556d-f870-4be5-a06a-ce7494ebb63e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DividendsAbstract_0fe7bd95-2d98-4872-af27-1c3e9e8f19bc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash_9783556d-f870-4be5-a06a-ce7494ebb63e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock_859e9c2a-955e-4602-94fa-741b99d1278c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DividendsAbstract_0fe7bd95-2d98-4872-af27-1c3e9e8f19bc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock_859e9c2a-955e-4602-94fa-741b99d1278c" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromWarrantExercises_3f2773d7-214c-4718-a95b-f946dee6807d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromWarrantExercises"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DividendsAbstract_0fe7bd95-2d98-4872-af27-1c3e9e8f19bc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromWarrantExercises_3f2773d7-214c-4718-a95b-f946dee6807d" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue_32746e6d-672f-4516-8fe5-b199d7487f2c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DividendsAbstract_0fe7bd95-2d98-4872-af27-1c3e9e8f19bc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue_32746e6d-672f-4516-8fe5-b199d7487f2c" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_4f6585bb-3168-4321-98a3-7e2b40e11c7f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_468b01eb-aa00-4793-b3c8-9d4e7eeb3df9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_4f6585bb-3168-4321-98a3-7e2b40e11c7f" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockRedemptionAmount_10ebdf2b-7621-4e15-b9ca-1a12f5eea41e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockRedemptionAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_468b01eb-aa00-4793-b3c8-9d4e7eeb3df9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockRedemptionAmount_10ebdf2b-7621-4e15-b9ca-1a12f5eea41e" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_563b20fc-dc86-4011-91f0-1e0bb0309992" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_468b01eb-aa00-4793-b3c8-9d4e7eeb3df9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_563b20fc-dc86-4011-91f0-1e0bb0309992" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther_76fe9c07-35e6-4c89-b653-c1295424a41b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_468b01eb-aa00-4793-b3c8-9d4e7eeb3df9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther_76fe9c07-35e6-4c89-b653-c1295424a41b" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_1123c1db-2e86-4dcb-84cd-a9ffe3cb0fd7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid_5d400657-e595-427b-8c7f-2ca2f060d9a0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_c27fb411-d85f-46f2-a9ef-b6b89048f2f4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid_5d400657-e595-427b-8c7f-2ca2f060d9a0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRedeemedOrCalledDuringPeriodValue_755b626b-4e0b-4621-b43a-2aba771e5054" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockRedeemedOrCalledDuringPeriodValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_c27fb411-d85f-46f2-a9ef-b6b89048f2f4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRedeemedOrCalledDuringPeriodValue_755b626b-4e0b-4621-b43a-2aba771e5054" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3a7213de-e38c-4960-ae4e-7857f47ad7d9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_c27fb411-d85f-46f2-a9ef-b6b89048f2f4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3a7213de-e38c-4960-ae4e-7857f47ad7d9" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_dfd76848-f603-425f-8b4e-02eb543b9e82" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3a7213de-e38c-4960-ae4e-7857f47ad7d9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_dfd76848-f603-425f-8b4e-02eb543b9e82" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_dfd76848-f603-425f-8b4e-02eb543b9e82_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_dfd76848-f603-425f-8b4e-02eb543b9e82" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_dfd76848-f603-425f-8b4e-02eb543b9e82_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_35f6352a-6ff2-4833-a7ac-3e71a5f00a2e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_dfd76848-f603-425f-8b4e-02eb543b9e82" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_35f6352a-6ff2-4833-a7ac-3e71a5f00a2e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_38eada37-e71c-4449-a25a-8c6a7cfa4ba7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_35f6352a-6ff2-4833-a7ac-3e71a5f00a2e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_38eada37-e71c-4449-a25a-8c6a7cfa4ba7" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_e294a9be-bee1-48ba-a143-a5f8577a329b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_35f6352a-6ff2-4833-a7ac-3e71a5f00a2e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_e294a9be-bee1-48ba-a143-a5f8577a329b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_bb367654-6e83-4927-8832-5d6d48d95026" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_35f6352a-6ff2-4833-a7ac-3e71a5f00a2e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_bb367654-6e83-4927-8832-5d6d48d95026" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_08fc33c9-a207-4504-ab5c-5c2c4068550f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_35f6352a-6ff2-4833-a7ac-3e71a5f00a2e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_08fc33c9-a207-4504-ab5c-5c2c4068550f" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_a0d1dc10-8425-48cb-9385-e7291f19a1ad" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_35f6352a-6ff2-4833-a7ac-3e71a5f00a2e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_a0d1dc10-8425-48cb-9385-e7291f19a1ad" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_f2c746a8-93b0-4127-90ab-afe78383cc24" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_35f6352a-6ff2-4833-a7ac-3e71a5f00a2e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_f2c746a8-93b0-4127-90ab-afe78383cc24" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember_7da20119-dc7a-438e-a27f-527ab58cef1f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_35f6352a-6ff2-4833-a7ac-3e71a5f00a2e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember_7da20119-dc7a-438e-a27f-527ab58cef1f" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForChangeInAccountingPrincipleAxis_2cd68786-dd3f-406c-8d82-3dbbbfe88e05" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForChangeInAccountingPrincipleAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3a7213de-e38c-4960-ae4e-7857f47ad7d9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForChangeInAccountingPrincipleAxis_2cd68786-dd3f-406c-8d82-3dbbbfe88e05" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleMember_2cd68786-dd3f-406c-8d82-3dbbbfe88e05_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForChangeInAccountingPrincipleAxis_2cd68786-dd3f-406c-8d82-3dbbbfe88e05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleMember_2cd68786-dd3f-406c-8d82-3dbbbfe88e05_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleMember_e2763d74-2ce7-43e1-98b3-0f8ed2a4f109" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForChangeInAccountingPrincipleAxis_2cd68786-dd3f-406c-8d82-3dbbbfe88e05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleMember_e2763d74-2ce7-43e1-98b3-0f8ed2a4f109" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_MortgageServicingRightsAccountingPolicyChangeFromAtCostToFairValueMember_973852db-462a-4167-9879-43f64e7492a0" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_MortgageServicingRightsAccountingPolicyChangeFromAtCostToFairValueMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleMember_e2763d74-2ce7-43e1-98b3-0f8ed2a4f109" xlink:to="loc_asb_MortgageServicingRightsAccountingPolicyChangeFromAtCostToFairValueMember_973852db-462a-4167-9879-43f64e7492a0" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis_322a65d3-bc48-4fc2-a2c0-039e031513c4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3a7213de-e38c-4960-ae4e-7857f47ad7d9" xlink:to="loc_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis_322a65d3-bc48-4fc2-a2c0-039e031513c4" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain_322a65d3-bc48-4fc2-a2c0-039e031513c4_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis_322a65d3-bc48-4fc2-a2c0-039e031513c4" xlink:to="loc_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain_322a65d3-bc48-4fc2-a2c0-039e031513c4_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain_bdbd86dd-9eda-4d20-86e3-4f927125a2e2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis_322a65d3-bc48-4fc2-a2c0-039e031513c4" xlink:to="loc_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain_bdbd86dd-9eda-4d20-86e3-4f927125a2e2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember_6d389d54-631a-4eb6-a692-93cbf126e1a1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain_bdbd86dd-9eda-4d20-86e3-4f927125a2e2" xlink:to="loc_srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember_6d389d54-631a-4eb6-a692-93cbf126e1a1" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_59350653-b9e6-43ed-bf9d-178802a829b4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3a7213de-e38c-4960-ae4e-7857f47ad7d9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_59350653-b9e6-43ed-bf9d-178802a829b4" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_59350653-b9e6-43ed-bf9d-178802a829b4_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_59350653-b9e6-43ed-bf9d-178802a829b4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_59350653-b9e6-43ed-bf9d-178802a829b4_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2cd4215e-b9e8-44eb-b659-e80c551301b9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_59350653-b9e6-43ed-bf9d-178802a829b4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2cd4215e-b9e8-44eb-b659-e80c551301b9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_PerformanceServiceBasedRSAsRSAMember_8e533049-1e44-42e8-b69b-9c950a3e1c99" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_PerformanceServiceBasedRSAsRSAMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2cd4215e-b9e8-44eb-b659-e80c551301b9" xlink:to="loc_asb_PerformanceServiceBasedRSAsRSAMember_8e533049-1e44-42e8-b69b-9c950a3e1c99" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis_cb486138-2e9a-4270-bdc4-e5a796e7a516" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3a7213de-e38c-4960-ae4e-7857f47ad7d9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis_cb486138-2e9a-4270-bdc4-e5a796e7a516" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_cb486138-2e9a-4270-bdc4-e5a796e7a516_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis_cb486138-2e9a-4270-bdc4-e5a796e7a516" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_cb486138-2e9a-4270-bdc4-e5a796e7a516_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_3801f936-096a-4c72-80ff-8fb51bf8ac79" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis_cb486138-2e9a-4270-bdc4-e5a796e7a516" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_3801f936-096a-4c72-80ff-8fb51bf8ac79" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_BoardAuthorizedPurchaseProgramMember_0642745a-d7a7-4bca-abed-95200936e0a5" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_BoardAuthorizedPurchaseProgramMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_3801f936-096a-4c72-80ff-8fb51bf8ac79" xlink:to="loc_asb_BoardAuthorizedPurchaseProgramMember_0642745a-d7a7-4bca-abed-95200936e0a5" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_008af04b-a04a-4f10-b1da-4f06f3127eb8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3a7213de-e38c-4960-ae4e-7857f47ad7d9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_008af04b-a04a-4f10-b1da-4f06f3127eb8" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_008af04b-a04a-4f10-b1da-4f06f3127eb8_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_008af04b-a04a-4f10-b1da-4f06f3127eb8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_008af04b-a04a-4f10-b1da-4f06f3127eb8_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3f9a6cce-b42e-4198-b326-714c21fab9f1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_008af04b-a04a-4f10-b1da-4f06f3127eb8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3f9a6cce-b42e-4198-b326-714c21fab9f1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember_ef877879-6a9d-4fd5-89ae-c8fa576a759a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3f9a6cce-b42e-4198-b326-714c21fab9f1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember_ef877879-6a9d-4fd5-89ae-c8fa576a759a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesDPreferredStockMember_3a666961-3858-4d58-b470-21137290d537" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesDPreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3f9a6cce-b42e-4198-b326-714c21fab9f1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesDPreferredStockMember_3a666961-3858-4d58-b470-21137290d537" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesEPreferredStockMember_bb704736-c5ae-4406-b140-d4fdefc2f42e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesEPreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3f9a6cce-b42e-4198-b326-714c21fab9f1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesEPreferredStockMember_bb704736-c5ae-4406-b140-d4fdefc2f42e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesFPreferredStockMember_597cd63e-bf12-49a2-addd-9972aa2950b0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesFPreferredStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3f9a6cce-b42e-4198-b326-714c21fab9f1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesFPreferredStockMember_597cd63e-bf12-49a2-addd-9972aa2950b0" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofChangesinStockholdersEquityParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsofChangesinStockholdersEquityParenthetical"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofChangesinStockholdersEquityParenthetical" xlink:type="extended" id="if5beff20788b4ef1aa5e48a8f48b0516_ConsolidatedStatementsofChangesinStockholdersEquityParenthetical">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_cd63258f-4677-4dc6-9e0d-37bc301e5054" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid_08a2cc0b-2d6d-48e1-a052-c8e56962983b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_cd63258f-4677-4dc6-9e0d-37bc301e5054" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid_08a2cc0b-2d6d-48e1-a052-c8e56962983b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_59363c5d-2ad2-4a4e-989c-ff54b216f12d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_cd63258f-4677-4dc6-9e0d-37bc301e5054" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_59363c5d-2ad2-4a4e-989c-ff54b216f12d" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_14ac4c1d-2961-43df-828c-e631ea6b14e7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_59363c5d-2ad2-4a4e-989c-ff54b216f12d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_14ac4c1d-2961-43df-828c-e631ea6b14e7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_14ac4c1d-2961-43df-828c-e631ea6b14e7_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_14ac4c1d-2961-43df-828c-e631ea6b14e7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_14ac4c1d-2961-43df-828c-e631ea6b14e7_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_72078c12-7c75-4639-9d95-971c8aa714a0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_14ac4c1d-2961-43df-828c-e631ea6b14e7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_72078c12-7c75-4639-9d95-971c8aa714a0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_c94ec6ad-9dc8-42ba-b082-5aacf4ae5e51" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_72078c12-7c75-4639-9d95-971c8aa714a0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_c94ec6ad-9dc8-42ba-b082-5aacf4ae5e51" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofCashFlows" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsofCashFlows"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofCashFlows" xlink:type="extended" id="i7fc71c58797c4ecfb73a224f57b0018d_ConsolidatedStatementsofCashFlows">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_ba58e5c7-8a23-45f8-bece-1314f1220a22" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_5f1f961b-58f1-4d4e-a1ab-20f719a33354" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_ba58e5c7-8a23-45f8-bece-1314f1220a22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_5f1f961b-58f1-4d4e-a1ab-20f719a33354" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_45fb0ea2-4d5a-415e-80f0-9ccc605eeb2d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_5f1f961b-58f1-4d4e-a1ab-20f719a33354" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_45fb0ea2-4d5a-415e-80f0-9ccc605eeb2d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_f9febaea-2360-4dc9-810f-e8ab8e0609f0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_45fb0ea2-4d5a-415e-80f0-9ccc605eeb2d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_f9febaea-2360-4dc9-810f-e8ab8e0609f0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_649f7d42-cd91-4886-b2e5-6c5a65c6e23a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_45fb0ea2-4d5a-415e-80f0-9ccc605eeb2d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_649f7d42-cd91-4886-b2e5-6c5a65c6e23a" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLosses_7b4d982f-5f07-4c16-85a4-dd07bd0b8ce2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLosses"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_649f7d42-cd91-4886-b2e5-6c5a65c6e23a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLosses_7b4d982f-5f07-4c16-85a4-dd07bd0b8ce2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_d36b1045-12d1-4a3f-91cc-1cfe5c6f3878" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_Depreciation"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_649f7d42-cd91-4886-b2e5-6c5a65c6e23a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_d36b1045-12d1-4a3f-91cc-1cfe5c6f3878" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageServicingRightsMSRImpairmentRecovery_ea3984fc-2f1b-459a-a60b-096c0a5de1f7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageServicingRightsMSRImpairmentRecovery"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_649f7d42-cd91-4886-b2e5-6c5a65c6e23a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageServicingRightsMSRImpairmentRecovery_ea3984fc-2f1b-459a-a60b-096c0a5de1f7" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_de8dae86-b8f9-4311-839f-d21c2c429ddd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_649f7d42-cd91-4886-b2e5-6c5a65c6e23a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_de8dae86-b8f9-4311-839f-d21c2c429ddd" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccretionAmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsInvestments_80383f80-27f3-46ee-bc57-70b7ca028bae" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AccretionAmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsInvestments"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_649f7d42-cd91-4886-b2e5-6c5a65c6e23a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccretionAmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsInvestments_80383f80-27f3-46ee-bc57-70b7ca028bae" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherDepreciationAndAmortization_c4010015-0f41-4a63-a3ee-7fe8685dab45" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherDepreciationAndAmortization"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_649f7d42-cd91-4886-b2e5-6c5a65c6e23a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherDepreciationAndAmortization_c4010015-0f41-4a63-a3ee-7fe8685dab45" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesGainLoss_84a7d07a-7bea-4651-a728-23c98baa4bb5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesGainLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_649f7d42-cd91-4886-b2e5-6c5a65c6e23a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesGainLoss_84a7d07a-7bea-4651-a728-23c98baa4bb5" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1_8529a389-2e42-40e9-b8a4-86d2a42b8c31" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_649f7d42-cd91-4886-b2e5-6c5a65c6e23a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1_8529a389-2e42-40e9-b8a4-86d2a42b8c31" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness_6d32d4bc-d1ef-464d-8375-eb62ecce63b2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_649f7d42-cd91-4886-b2e5-6c5a65c6e23a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness_6d32d4bc-d1ef-464d-8375-eb62ecce63b2" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfMortgageLoans_8adf0b58-d155-4e14-b996-5dc9050e9fbd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfMortgageLoans"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_649f7d42-cd91-4886-b2e5-6c5a65c6e23a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfMortgageLoans_8adf0b58-d155-4e14-b996-5dc9050e9fbd" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForOriginationAndPurchasesOfLoansHeldForSale_bb5537e5-a029-4e2e-84da-533c09cd9747" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForOriginationAndPurchasesOfLoansHeldForSale"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_649f7d42-cd91-4886-b2e5-6c5a65c6e23a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForOriginationAndPurchasesOfLoansHeldForSale_bb5537e5-a029-4e2e-84da-533c09cd9747" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfMortgageLoansHeldForSale_6ce65083-a4ff-470a-8e6a-2d37c2f702bb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfMortgageLoansHeldForSale"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_649f7d42-cd91-4886-b2e5-6c5a65c6e23a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfMortgageLoansHeldForSale_6ce65083-a4ff-470a-8e6a-2d37c2f702bb" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssetsAndLiabilitiesNetAbstract_b2cf07b7-3d5c-4e02-8f11-74098789117e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssetsAndLiabilitiesNetAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_45fb0ea2-4d5a-415e-80f0-9ccc605eeb2d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssetsAndLiabilitiesNetAbstract_b2cf07b7-3d5c-4e02-8f11-74098789117e" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedInterestReceivableNet_3dc4f632-e8dd-4140-aa26-3ecf9b481037" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedInterestReceivableNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssetsAndLiabilitiesNetAbstract_b2cf07b7-3d5c-4e02-8f11-74098789117e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedInterestReceivableNet_3dc4f632-e8dd-4140-aa26-3ecf9b481037" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInterestPayableNet_634e3837-9c78-478d-a0d2-c1a18b8d4e64" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInterestPayableNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssetsAndLiabilitiesNetAbstract_b2cf07b7-3d5c-4e02-8f11-74098789117e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInterestPayableNet_634e3837-9c78-478d-a0d2-c1a18b8d4e64" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_0cb85cbc-c9f4-4ac9-94e1-8a416a733b05" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssetsAndLiabilitiesNetAbstract_b2cf07b7-3d5c-4e02-8f11-74098789117e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_0cb85cbc-c9f4-4ac9-94e1-8a416a733b05" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDerivativeAssetsAndLiabilities_f2103b0b-e98f-4a7c-8c29-bfa1d80af44b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDerivativeAssetsAndLiabilities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssetsAndLiabilitiesNetAbstract_b2cf07b7-3d5c-4e02-8f11-74098789117e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDerivativeAssetsAndLiabilities_f2103b0b-e98f-4a7c-8c29-bfa1d80af44b" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet_dee65793-150a-4806-b2ed-82efc9e2b0e3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssetsAndLiabilitiesNetAbstract_b2cf07b7-3d5c-4e02-8f11-74098789117e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet_dee65793-150a-4806-b2ed-82efc9e2b0e3" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_bec50a94-b461-44bd-9966-bddecdbe8cac" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_45fb0ea2-4d5a-415e-80f0-9ccc605eeb2d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_bec50a94-b461-44bd-9966-bddecdbe8cac" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_fcd06c84-635b-499b-b8ae-6305f186c1cc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_5f1f961b-58f1-4d4e-a1ab-20f719a33354" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_fcd06c84-635b-499b-b8ae-6305f186c1cc" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromLoansAndLeases_78438e0a-feee-4e37-a1f3-c7b4f558d25b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromLoansAndLeases"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_fcd06c84-635b-499b-b8ae-6305f186c1cc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromLoansAndLeases_78438e0a-feee-4e37-a1f3-c7b4f558d25b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForInvestingActivitiesAbstract_7cf4f782-71b7-432f-8d42-b17fe8297d68" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForInvestingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_fcd06c84-635b-499b-b8ae-6305f186c1cc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForInvestingActivitiesAbstract_7cf4f782-71b7-432f-8d42-b17fe8297d68" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt_1f8f72c4-3373-4b86-89e3-573357d3f226" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForInvestingActivitiesAbstract_7cf4f782-71b7-432f-8d42-b17fe8297d68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt_1f8f72c4-3373-4b86-89e3-573357d3f226" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireHeldToMaturitySecurities_efce14a7-258a-4177-9aed-dd69a5f864e0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireHeldToMaturitySecurities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForInvestingActivitiesAbstract_7cf4f782-71b7-432f-8d42-b17fe8297d68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireHeldToMaturitySecurities_efce14a7-258a-4177-9aed-dd69a5f864e0" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireFederalHomeLoanBankStock_c1747527-ca7b-4fb1-90b6-765f04147eea" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireFederalHomeLoanBankStock"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForInvestingActivitiesAbstract_7cf4f782-71b7-432f-8d42-b17fe8297d68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireFederalHomeLoanBankStock_c1747527-ca7b-4fb1-90b6-765f04147eea" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromProductiveAssets_0d1dd268-a940-4790-a10b-19686132f656" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromProductiveAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForInvestingActivitiesAbstract_7cf4f782-71b7-432f-8d42-b17fe8297d68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromProductiveAssets_0d1dd268-a940-4790-a10b-19686132f656" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromInvestingActivitiesAbstract_2b4bad3f-da83-41f1-b259-4347723eb355" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromInvestingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_fcd06c84-635b-499b-b8ae-6305f186c1cc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromInvestingActivitiesAbstract_2b4bad3f-da83-41f1-b259-4347723eb355" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt_b602ee24-8275-4550-acbd-6a669e1ef0c4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromInvestingActivitiesAbstract_2b4bad3f-da83-41f1-b259-4347723eb355" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt_b602ee24-8275-4550-acbd-6a669e1ef0c4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_3f876369-8ce1-4d7b-906e-9a55f6e63c0c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfAvailableForSaleSecurities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromInvestingActivitiesAbstract_2b4bad3f-da83-41f1-b259-4347723eb355" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_3f876369-8ce1-4d7b-906e-9a55f6e63c0c" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfHeldToMaturitySecurities_24203438-b321-4f3f-870c-66af6b214f30" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfHeldToMaturitySecurities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromInvestingActivitiesAbstract_2b4bad3f-da83-41f1-b259-4347723eb355" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfHeldToMaturitySecurities_24203438-b321-4f3f-870c-66af6b214f30" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfOtherInvestments_2f03f40c-3639-4627-a484-05a98e700606" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfOtherInvestments"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromInvestingActivitiesAbstract_2b4bad3f-da83-41f1-b259-4347723eb355" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfOtherInvestments_2f03f40c-3639-4627-a484-05a98e700606" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_NetChangeinTaxCreditInvestments_a47dd6e6-0a29-4514-8a2d-37c56e217547" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_NetChangeinTaxCreditInvestments"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromInvestingActivitiesAbstract_2b4bad3f-da83-41f1-b259-4347723eb355" xlink:to="loc_asb_NetChangeinTaxCreditInvestments_a47dd6e6-0a29-4514-8a2d-37c56e217547" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_bfdd7726-baa9-42be-839a-28338400e2ca" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_fcd06c84-635b-499b-b8ae-6305f186c1cc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_bfdd7726-baa9-42be-839a-28338400e2ca" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_af4f3875-581b-4b86-8234-df651d4efac6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_5f1f961b-58f1-4d4e-a1ab-20f719a33354" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_af4f3875-581b-4b86-8234-df651d4efac6" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeposits_a1a454f2-b859-4196-a4ab-87f36d4afd0a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeposits"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_af4f3875-581b-4b86-8234-df651d4efac6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeposits_a1a454f2-b859-4196-a4ab-87f36d4afd0a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_NetDecreaseInDepositsDueToBranchSales_1e312d85-62af-4981-a362-156a26ea67c1" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_NetDecreaseInDepositsDueToBranchSales"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_af4f3875-581b-4b86-8234-df651d4efac6" xlink:to="loc_asb_NetDecreaseInDepositsDueToBranchSales_1e312d85-62af-4981-a362-156a26ea67c1" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebt_58de4f26-4c97-4a1d-b41d-6db5cc7e21bf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebt"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_af4f3875-581b-4b86-8234-df651d4efac6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebt_58de4f26-4c97-4a1d-b41d-6db5cc7e21bf" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInLoansFromOtherFederalHomeLoanBanks_13f7ced1-d097-44b8-b6a6-8e3dfbf1ac09" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInLoansFromOtherFederalHomeLoanBanks"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_af4f3875-581b-4b86-8234-df651d4efac6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInLoansFromOtherFederalHomeLoanBanks_13f7ced1-d097-44b8-b6a6-8e3dfbf1ac09" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfFederalHomeLoanBankBorrowings_e18de9c2-ca0c-4220-bc05-c9f997ee42a4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfFederalHomeLoanBankBorrowings"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_af4f3875-581b-4b86-8234-df651d4efac6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfFederalHomeLoanBankBorrowings_e18de9c2-ca0c-4220-bc05-c9f997ee42a4" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromFederalHomeLoanBankBorrowings_963ae1dc-c1a0-49cf-8714-e183f9a5340a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromFederalHomeLoanBankBorrowings"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_af4f3875-581b-4b86-8234-df651d4efac6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromFederalHomeLoanBankBorrowings_963ae1dc-c1a0-49cf-8714-e183f9a5340a" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments_ed5018d7-4d3c-4443-991a-329d1368364a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_af4f3875-581b-4b86-8234-df651d4efac6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments_ed5018d7-4d3c-4443-991a-329d1368364a" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfSeniorDebt_1d2fc343-a1a8-4e99-b44c-c4fab0234857" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfSeniorDebt"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_af4f3875-581b-4b86-8234-df651d4efac6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfSeniorDebt_1d2fc343-a1a8-4e99-b44c-c4fab0234857" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlansIncludingStockOptions_b8a66298-315a-440f-b7eb-e855b362c6b4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlansIncludingStockOptions"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_af4f3875-581b-4b86-8234-df651d4efac6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlansIncludingStockOptions_b8a66298-315a-440f-b7eb-e855b362c6b4" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfRedeemablePreferredStock_1e2fc686-d9b9-4b96-b896-98fb6f306847" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfRedeemablePreferredStock"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_af4f3875-581b-4b86-8234-df651d4efac6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfRedeemablePreferredStock_1e2fc686-d9b9-4b96-b896-98fb6f306847" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_6d0f7dc4-f095-4877-a38b-dffb91fd815a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_af4f3875-581b-4b86-8234-df651d4efac6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_6d0f7dc4-f095-4877-a38b-dffb91fd815a" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock_0aa14378-97c3-4525-a7a3-18b24143d7f4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_af4f3875-581b-4b86-8234-df651d4efac6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock_0aa14378-97c3-4525-a7a3-18b24143d7f4" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock_fb4f690a-3498-468a-accb-df82114a4bae" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_af4f3875-581b-4b86-8234-df651d4efac6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock_fb4f690a-3498-468a-accb-df82114a4bae" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_9e75fb5e-77fb-467e-927f-31c6e4f5180f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_af4f3875-581b-4b86-8234-df651d4efac6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_9e75fb5e-77fb-467e-927f-31c6e4f5180f" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_b0e6a54c-d4a2-4f1a-9384-fb8d8b36b41e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_5f1f961b-58f1-4d4e-a1ab-20f719a33354" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_b0e6a54c-d4a2-4f1a-9384-fb8d8b36b41e" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_f0fed50c-1266-4858-a5d2-9ca78562b908" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_5f1f961b-58f1-4d4e-a1ab-20f719a33354" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_f0fed50c-1266-4858-a5d2-9ca78562b908" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_b6409049-baa0-42c6-b1f0-01c4fb373af3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_c1b1e7ac-e6ca-4b7f-9d41-f80951f40ae5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_5f1f961b-58f1-4d4e-a1ab-20f719a33354" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_c1b1e7ac-e6ca-4b7f-9d41-f80951f40ae5" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_1c739d40-f6a5-4d7e-8f73-049a305aaa54" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaidNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_c1b1e7ac-e6ca-4b7f-9d41-f80951f40ae5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_1c739d40-f6a5-4d7e-8f73-049a305aaa54" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet_a69ea2ae-9439-412b-a28e-b4c67ae0a39a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_c1b1e7ac-e6ca-4b7f-9d41-f80951f40ae5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet_a69ea2ae-9439-412b-a28e-b4c67ae0a39a" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransferToOtherRealEstate_8aaa5e4b-afc0-46f8-9769-9c25e83c3a47" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_TransferToOtherRealEstate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_c1b1e7ac-e6ca-4b7f-9d41-f80951f40ae5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransferToOtherRealEstate_8aaa5e4b-afc0-46f8-9769-9c25e83c3a47" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtFairValueAdditions_fb39936b-11bb-4862-9c69-4713988ed708" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtFairValueAdditions"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_c1b1e7ac-e6ca-4b7f-9d41-f80951f40ae5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtFairValueAdditions_fb39936b-11bb-4862-9c69-4713988ed708" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransferOfPortfolioLoansAndLeasesToHeldForSale1_38383375-d2bb-4148-b08a-1eee3d19a7ba" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_TransferOfPortfolioLoansAndLeasesToHeldForSale1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_c1b1e7ac-e6ca-4b7f-9d41-f80951f40ae5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransferOfPortfolioLoansAndLeasesToHeldForSale1_38383375-d2bb-4148-b08a-1eee3d19a7ba" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_TransferOfAFSSecuritiesToHTMSecuritiesFairValue_f30f07b4-4835-4102-81fa-005615ec57b8" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_TransferOfAFSSecuritiesToHTMSecuritiesFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_c1b1e7ac-e6ca-4b7f-9d41-f80951f40ae5" xlink:to="loc_asb_TransferOfAFSSecuritiesToHTMSecuritiesFairValue_f30f07b4-4835-4102-81fa-005615ec57b8" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_UnsettledTradesToPurchaseSecurities_47727db2-077e-401a-9ab8-4c2d10f1fcd0" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_UnsettledTradesToPurchaseSecurities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_c1b1e7ac-e6ca-4b7f-9d41-f80951f40ae5" xlink:to="loc_asb_UnsettledTradesToPurchaseSecurities_47727db2-077e-401a-9ab8-4c2d10f1fcd0" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueUpwardPriceAdjustmentAnnualAmount_30caeb21-bc63-4c0a-ba33-1cdf60215c15" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueUpwardPriceAdjustmentAnnualAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_c1b1e7ac-e6ca-4b7f-9d41-f80951f40ae5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueUpwardPriceAdjustmentAnnualAmount_30caeb21-bc63-4c0a-ba33-1cdf60215c15" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInUnrealizedGainLossOnHedgedItemInFairValueHedge1_2ae140d1-1cfe-4522-acd2-7ef298b02e15" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInUnrealizedGainLossOnHedgedItemInFairValueHedge1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_c1b1e7ac-e6ca-4b7f-9d41-f80951f40ae5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInUnrealizedGainLossOnHedgedItemInFairValueHedge1_2ae140d1-1cfe-4522-acd2-7ef298b02e15" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3cf57a25-a380-4d6a-8a5c-a3bf32b08dca" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_ba58e5c7-8a23-45f8-bece-1314f1220a22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3cf57a25-a380-4d6a-8a5c-a3bf32b08dca" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis_77312646-dd73-41bd-8d3c-51024c504d5f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3cf57a25-a380-4d6a-8a5c-a3bf32b08dca" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis_77312646-dd73-41bd-8d3c-51024c504d5f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_77312646-dd73-41bd-8d3c-51024c504d5f_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis_77312646-dd73-41bd-8d3c-51024c504d5f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_77312646-dd73-41bd-8d3c-51024c504d5f_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_9b94dc37-d5e4-4e06-a931-b58d4eda598a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis_77312646-dd73-41bd-8d3c-51024c504d5f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_9b94dc37-d5e4-4e06-a931-b58d4eda598a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_BoardAuthorizedPurchaseProgramMember_f99bf6c8-ac40-4c66-adc1-839539a9964f" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_BoardAuthorizedPurchaseProgramMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_9b94dc37-d5e4-4e06-a931-b58d4eda598a" xlink:to="loc_asb_BoardAuthorizedPurchaseProgramMember_f99bf6c8-ac40-4c66-adc1-839539a9964f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_b922323a-3ae1-45bc-ac23-6f30e30a834c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3cf57a25-a380-4d6a-8a5c-a3bf32b08dca" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_b922323a-3ae1-45bc-ac23-6f30e30a834c" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_b922323a-3ae1-45bc-ac23-6f30e30a834c_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_b922323a-3ae1-45bc-ac23-6f30e30a834c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_b922323a-3ae1-45bc-ac23-6f30e30a834c_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_dd3b7d20-3331-4afa-b6e2-7bd5fdc3f3f8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_b922323a-3ae1-45bc-ac23-6f30e30a834c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_dd3b7d20-3331-4afa-b6e2-7bd5fdc3f3f8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_PerformanceServiceBasedRSAsRSAMember_f2dff004-f7ec-4cbb-a7dd-3fb0efe9df0c" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_PerformanceServiceBasedRSAsRSAMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_dd3b7d20-3331-4afa-b6e2-7bd5fdc3f3f8" xlink:to="loc_asb_PerformanceServiceBasedRSAsRSAMember_f2dff004-f7ec-4cbb-a7dd-3fb0efe9df0c" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_1fd3950d-c5aa-4c17-bca2-4e94cbe60f11" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3cf57a25-a380-4d6a-8a5c-a3bf32b08dca" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_1fd3950d-c5aa-4c17-bca2-4e94cbe60f11" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_1fd3950d-c5aa-4c17-bca2-4e94cbe60f11_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_1fd3950d-c5aa-4c17-bca2-4e94cbe60f11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_1fd3950d-c5aa-4c17-bca2-4e94cbe60f11_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_e14c3a89-610b-421f-b79a-269c1831ced2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_1fd3950d-c5aa-4c17-bca2-4e94cbe60f11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_e14c3a89-610b-421f-b79a-269c1831ced2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_ABRCMember_e8deea17-5f98-4b0a-8fe0-7122f17e80d5" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_ABRCMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_e14c3a89-610b-421f-b79a-269c1831ced2" xlink:to="loc_asb_ABRCMember_e8deea17-5f98-4b0a-8fe0-7122f17e80d5" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_4686a234-8f5d-47f7-b1bc-6c69ae7014e0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3cf57a25-a380-4d6a-8a5c-a3bf32b08dca" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_4686a234-8f5d-47f7-b1bc-6c69ae7014e0" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_4686a234-8f5d-47f7-b1bc-6c69ae7014e0_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_4686a234-8f5d-47f7-b1bc-6c69ae7014e0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_4686a234-8f5d-47f7-b1bc-6c69ae7014e0_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_f3f657d9-3524-4a8b-867a-e87b921e583a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_4686a234-8f5d-47f7-b1bc-6c69ae7014e0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_f3f657d9-3524-4a8b-867a-e87b921e583a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_e94036cb-0902-4f17-852b-226baadfb798" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_f3f657d9-3524-4a8b-867a-e87b921e583a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_e94036cb-0902-4f17-852b-226baadfb798" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/AcquisitionsDetailsTextuals" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#AcquisitionsDetailsTextuals"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/AcquisitionsDetailsTextuals" xlink:type="extended" id="i3f95d278228943aa975c1ae5425c478b_AcquisitionsDetailsTextuals">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_fcdddca5-b254-4aa4-947d-111efe93a1ee" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfBusinessesAcquired_d19f3f3e-4b4e-4ed1-90c6-f0cb71f6789f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfBusinessesAcquired"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_fcdddca5-b254-4aa4-947d-111efe93a1ee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfBusinessesAcquired_d19f3f3e-4b4e-4ed1-90c6-f0cb71f6789f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationConsideration_eeba6dd2-0f08-4721-8d77-572b8eff4c21" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationConsideration"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_fcdddca5-b254-4aa4-947d-111efe93a1ee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationConsideration_eeba6dd2-0f08-4721-8d77-572b8eff4c21" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOtherAssets_6e845e21-f92c-42d5-aa0e-0fcfb9c93172" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOtherAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_fcdddca5-b254-4aa4-947d-111efe93a1ee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOtherAssets_6e845e21-f92c-42d5-aa0e-0fcfb9c93172" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_BranchSales_40aa598a-b21d-4f28-880b-e2be2e63c972" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_BranchSales"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_fcdddca5-b254-4aa4-947d-111efe93a1ee" xlink:to="loc_asb_BranchSales_40aa598a-b21d-4f28-880b-e2be2e63c972" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Deposits_8cbd5df5-be80-492e-aa26-b2a78643ac0b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_Deposits"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_fcdddca5-b254-4aa4-947d-111efe93a1ee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Deposits_8cbd5df5-be80-492e-aa26-b2a78643ac0b" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquiredReceivablesGrossContractualAmount_2eef8551-7a04-48e8-923d-c9b45b9e1894" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquiredReceivablesGrossContractualAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_fcdddca5-b254-4aa4-947d-111efe93a1ee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquiredReceivablesGrossContractualAmount_2eef8551-7a04-48e8-923d-c9b45b9e1894" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_PurchasePremiumOnDepositsTransferred_1accad49-4a17-4c67-8258-309d1ce37f7d" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_PurchasePremiumOnDepositsTransferred"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_fcdddca5-b254-4aa4-947d-111efe93a1ee" xlink:to="loc_asb_PurchasePremiumOnDepositsTransferred_1accad49-4a17-4c67-8258-309d1ce37f7d" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_77431e94-477b-4953-8b4e-6ceb453f1671" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_fcdddca5-b254-4aa4-947d-111efe93a1ee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_77431e94-477b-4953-8b4e-6ceb453f1671" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_7f1ad157-8558-4dc7-b1c9-0431747bda39" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_77431e94-477b-4953-8b4e-6ceb453f1671" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_7f1ad157-8558-4dc7-b1c9-0431747bda39" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_7f1ad157-8558-4dc7-b1c9-0431747bda39_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_7f1ad157-8558-4dc7-b1c9-0431747bda39" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_7f1ad157-8558-4dc7-b1c9-0431747bda39_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_bb312a31-7d05-4570-8497-fd4195986ada" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_7f1ad157-8558-4dc7-b1c9-0431747bda39" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_bb312a31-7d05-4570-8497-fd4195986ada" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_WhitnellMember_f629c539-dfaf-45b0-aab6-78ebff8912cd" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_WhitnellMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_bb312a31-7d05-4570-8497-fd4195986ada" xlink:to="loc_asb_WhitnellMember_f629c539-dfaf-45b0-aab6-78ebff8912cd" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/EarningsPerCommonShareDetailsTextuals" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#EarningsPerCommonShareDetailsTextuals"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/EarningsPerCommonShareDetailsTextuals" xlink:type="extended" id="i250d56b361dd4e29a47ce294bf0610e1_EarningsPerCommonShareDetailsTextuals">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_c5cdbd9c-6530-4ca2-a532-f8dbd206cb32" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_b0bb4e73-9e9a-4c4b-af5e-5b61ed5c19a8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_c5cdbd9c-6530-4ca2-a532-f8dbd206cb32" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_b0bb4e73-9e9a-4c4b-af5e-5b61ed5c19a8" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_1d7a5378-bfee-43f5-b00d-9e60222e8da9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_c5cdbd9c-6530-4ca2-a532-f8dbd206cb32" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_1d7a5378-bfee-43f5-b00d-9e60222e8da9" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_4c2c0532-49ef-464f-941f-55734d7ac606" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_1d7a5378-bfee-43f5-b00d-9e60222e8da9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_4c2c0532-49ef-464f-941f-55734d7ac606" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_4c2c0532-49ef-464f-941f-55734d7ac606_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_4c2c0532-49ef-464f-941f-55734d7ac606" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_4c2c0532-49ef-464f-941f-55734d7ac606_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_e6e7aab0-185d-4214-a7a4-9fff7e6c7c7c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_4c2c0532-49ef-464f-941f-55734d7ac606" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_e6e7aab0-185d-4214-a7a4-9fff7e6c7c7c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_0d85871b-3624-4502-998a-9d32c12d62d5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_e6e7aab0-185d-4214-a7a4-9fff7e6c7c7c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_0d85871b-3624-4502-998a-9d32c12d62d5" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/StockBasedCompensationDetailsTextuals" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#StockBasedCompensationDetailsTextuals"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/StockBasedCompensationDetailsTextuals" xlink:type="extended" id="ic90cbd31763c41c68421e70c1e1fdc7c_StockBasedCompensationDetailsTextuals">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2a98723c-dc7c-41e7-8e33-b24fdb0f7e14" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue_9386740b-8f5a-49fa-93d1-e086e3a8f0e6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2a98723c-dc7c-41e7-8e33-b24fdb0f7e14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue_9386740b-8f5a-49fa-93d1-e086e3a8f0e6" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedInPeriodFairValue1_4eee0111-3910-4909-94bc-3950217dd739" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedInPeriodFairValue1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2a98723c-dc7c-41e7-8e33-b24fdb0f7e14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedInPeriodFairValue1_4eee0111-3910-4909-94bc-3950217dd739" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_4f3eba76-b53f-4089-849e-38f38fea1172" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2a98723c-dc7c-41e7-8e33-b24fdb0f7e14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_4f3eba76-b53f-4089-849e-38f38fea1172" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAcceleratedCompensationCost_77e538d0-73d5-4836-af45-dfec17b6c879" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAcceleratedCompensationCost"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2a98723c-dc7c-41e7-8e33-b24fdb0f7e14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAcceleratedCompensationCost_77e538d0-73d5-4836-af45-dfec17b6c879" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_b89b53db-0bf3-4e27-bc5e-ebc07138aad4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2a98723c-dc7c-41e7-8e33-b24fdb0f7e14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_b89b53db-0bf3-4e27-bc5e-ebc07138aad4" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedYearForRecognition_dcfb180f-81d2-4c69-a33c-8465ed640753" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedYearForRecognition"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2a98723c-dc7c-41e7-8e33-b24fdb0f7e14" xlink:to="loc_asb_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedYearForRecognition_dcfb180f-81d2-4c69-a33c-8465ed640753" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage_4594755a-de38-43ed-ba6b-ad85fbc4879f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2a98723c-dc7c-41e7-8e33-b24fdb0f7e14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage_4594755a-de38-43ed-ba6b-ad85fbc4879f" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_78cee73d-2847-479a-97b3-fd57270934f0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2a98723c-dc7c-41e7-8e33-b24fdb0f7e14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_78cee73d-2847-479a-97b3-fd57270934f0" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_005ebeb9-7179-4922-88cf-333eb1772d16" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAcceleratedCompensationCost_99e4cc75-ba8a-4f6f-b959-4cdb71640166" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAcceleratedCompensationCost"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedYearForRecognition_1746951c-25b5-478c-b51c-56690df0036d" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedYearForRecognition"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_e2a4f93c-0797-44df-add8-31d99c4ddd75" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2a98723c-dc7c-41e7-8e33-b24fdb0f7e14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_e2a4f93c-0797-44df-add8-31d99c4ddd75" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_7b53fab5-53b3-4d05-9136-5f6fdd71667a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_e2a4f93c-0797-44df-add8-31d99c4ddd75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_7b53fab5-53b3-4d05-9136-5f6fdd71667a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_7b53fab5-53b3-4d05-9136-5f6fdd71667a_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_7b53fab5-53b3-4d05-9136-5f6fdd71667a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_7b53fab5-53b3-4d05-9136-5f6fdd71667a_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_ce8b3465-12aa-4fc2-9750-c88f888e7ff7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_7b53fab5-53b3-4d05-9136-5f6fdd71667a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_ce8b3465-12aa-4fc2-9750-c88f888e7ff7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_c60c4322-0149-4e21-936c-bc865995bb19" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_ce8b3465-12aa-4fc2-9750-c88f888e7ff7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_c60c4322-0149-4e21-936c-bc865995bb19" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_720b0848-edc5-4ad3-b39e-f5f7fb8473e2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_ce8b3465-12aa-4fc2-9750-c88f888e7ff7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_720b0848-edc5-4ad3-b39e-f5f7fb8473e2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockCompensationPlanMember_67c638ec-7a5f-447f-a134-101c34383480" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockCompensationPlanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_ce8b3465-12aa-4fc2-9750-c88f888e7ff7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockCompensationPlanMember_67c638ec-7a5f-447f-a134-101c34383480" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_718ee224-5924-44a3-aa2b-f65d151c83b0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_ce8b3465-12aa-4fc2-9750-c88f888e7ff7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_718ee224-5924-44a3-aa2b-f65d151c83b0" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_c90f738b-d647-4425-b588-2a7b46ddaed5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_e2a4f93c-0797-44df-add8-31d99c4ddd75" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_c90f738b-d647-4425-b588-2a7b46ddaed5" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_c90f738b-d647-4425-b588-2a7b46ddaed5_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_c90f738b-d647-4425-b588-2a7b46ddaed5" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_c90f738b-d647-4425-b588-2a7b46ddaed5_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_c3707cc9-99a5-47ba-9d73-a69fe86e2ab6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_c90f738b-d647-4425-b588-2a7b46ddaed5" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_c3707cc9-99a5-47ba-9d73-a69fe86e2ab6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_5c5362b8-dc4f-4311-9453-32743052c0ec" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_c3707cc9-99a5-47ba-9d73-a69fe86e2ab6" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_5c5362b8-dc4f-4311-9453-32743052c0ec" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_d1ae62b9-01fe-4e09-b9d4-07aac7a79441" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_c3707cc9-99a5-47ba-9d73-a69fe86e2ab6" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_d1ae62b9-01fe-4e09-b9d4-07aac7a79441" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/InvestmentSecuritiesAFSandHTMSecuritiesAmortizedCostsandFairValuesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#InvestmentSecuritiesAFSandHTMSecuritiesAmortizedCostsandFairValuesDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/InvestmentSecuritiesAFSandHTMSecuritiesAmortizedCostsandFairValuesDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i66ac9d173ca645da9466bccd3693a883_InvestmentSecuritiesAFSandHTMSecuritiesAmortizedCostsandFairValuesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTableLineItems_bc58799b-abbe-4e84-b93a-01b6a8ceb6b6" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTableLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_9bed4b09-8b55-4e7c-a869-d8c6309f4745" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTableLineItems_bc58799b-abbe-4e84-b93a-01b6a8ceb6b6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_9bed4b09-8b55-4e7c-a869-d8c6309f4745" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGain_7d25ce1c-aa90-4be7-ab28-842d046edcad" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTableLineItems_bc58799b-abbe-4e84-b93a-01b6a8ceb6b6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGain_7d25ce1c-aa90-4be7-ab28-842d046edcad" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss_575c785d-4547-46ff-bafc-62e694ec79e5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTableLineItems_bc58799b-abbe-4e84-b93a-01b6a8ceb6b6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss_575c785d-4547-46ff-bafc-62e694ec79e5" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_dd7165b3-16d4-4425-ba17-4fc064d9e8f9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTableLineItems_bc58799b-abbe-4e84-b93a-01b6a8ceb6b6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_dd7165b3-16d4-4425-ba17-4fc064d9e8f9" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities_e1628bda-dc96-483d-985c-20c0938bf80d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTableLineItems_bc58799b-abbe-4e84-b93a-01b6a8ceb6b6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities_e1628bda-dc96-483d-985c-20c0938bf80d" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingGain_0c4763f0-2ae6-403e-9909-1e231977e052" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingGain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTableLineItems_bc58799b-abbe-4e84-b93a-01b6a8ceb6b6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingGain_0c4763f0-2ae6-403e-9909-1e231977e052" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingLoss_3a1f6250-3499-435f-ba96-95f3ee907562" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTableLineItems_bc58799b-abbe-4e84-b93a-01b6a8ceb6b6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingLoss_3a1f6250-3499-435f-ba96-95f3ee907562" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue_0092a680-5c65-4889-8fea-948e869d3624" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTableLineItems_bc58799b-abbe-4e84-b93a-01b6a8ceb6b6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue_0092a680-5c65-4889-8fea-948e869d3624" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTable_417f8be8-3be0-4d19-9230-a8e7496539ea" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTableLineItems_bc58799b-abbe-4e84-b93a-01b6a8ceb6b6" xlink:to="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTable_417f8be8-3be0-4d19-9230-a8e7496539ea" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesAxis_b08c5b9b-b57d-4a79-9f3a-6203940e6fc5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTable_417f8be8-3be0-4d19-9230-a8e7496539ea" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesAxis_b08c5b9b-b57d-4a79-9f3a-6203940e6fc5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_b08c5b9b-b57d-4a79-9f3a-6203940e6fc5_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesAxis_b08c5b9b-b57d-4a79-9f3a-6203940e6fc5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_b08c5b9b-b57d-4a79-9f3a-6203940e6fc5_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_44f13126-a13e-43a1-9ed6-430b1e692aae" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesAxis_b08c5b9b-b57d-4a79-9f3a-6203940e6fc5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_44f13126-a13e-43a1-9ed6-430b1e692aae" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_FNMAFHLMCMember_782872fd-d1be-4fa9-8ddd-d1e8ae852502" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_FNMAFHLMCMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_44f13126-a13e-43a1-9ed6-430b1e692aae" xlink:to="loc_asb_FNMAFHLMCMember_782872fd-d1be-4fa9-8ddd-d1e8ae852502" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationGnmaInsuredLoansMember_07016b7d-eece-4c69-8997-b6c71bd389cf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationGnmaInsuredLoansMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_44f13126-a13e-43a1-9ed6-430b1e692aae" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationGnmaInsuredLoansMember_07016b7d-eece-4c69-8997-b6c71bd389cf" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_5bab40ad-a5ca-453a-a2c8-c0aa8bcc7416" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTable_417f8be8-3be0-4d19-9230-a8e7496539ea" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_5bab40ad-a5ca-453a-a2c8-c0aa8bcc7416" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_5bab40ad-a5ca-453a-a2c8-c0aa8bcc7416_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_5bab40ad-a5ca-453a-a2c8-c0aa8bcc7416" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_5bab40ad-a5ca-453a-a2c8-c0aa8bcc7416_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_5693ba94-25a5-4577-9ddb-65c1b6fca891" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_5bab40ad-a5ca-453a-a2c8-c0aa8bcc7416" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_5693ba94-25a5-4577-9ddb-65c1b6fca891" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_49b297d4-47ab-4783-910c-0c3d8ed2201a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_5693ba94-25a5-4577-9ddb-65c1b6fca891" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_49b297d4-47ab-4783-910c-0c3d8ed2201a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AgencySecuritiesMember_f921abf4-9e25-4373-8e8e-7582a21c68e8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AgencySecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_5693ba94-25a5-4577-9ddb-65c1b6fca891" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AgencySecuritiesMember_f921abf4-9e25-4373-8e8e-7582a21c68e8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_cf812b14-aab0-4336-9917-47918021578c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_5693ba94-25a5-4577-9ddb-65c1b6fca891" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_cf812b14-aab0-4336-9917-47918021578c" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_a37ac232-624d-487b-9fda-50340905093a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_5693ba94-25a5-4577-9ddb-65c1b6fca891" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_a37ac232-624d-487b-9fda-50340905093a" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember_26777968-929c-40dc-bcd6-b1844782b81a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_5693ba94-25a5-4577-9ddb-65c1b6fca891" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember_26777968-929c-40dc-bcd6-b1844782b81a" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_81ea9b9d-b44e-4a8c-9c2e-2929caccb152" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_5693ba94-25a5-4577-9ddb-65c1b6fca891" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_81ea9b9d-b44e-4a8c-9c2e-2929caccb152" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FederalFamilyEducationLoanProgramFfelpGuaranteedLoansMember_c08472f9-5525-466c-90da-fe58ad68a4bb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FederalFamilyEducationLoanProgramFfelpGuaranteedLoansMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_5693ba94-25a5-4577-9ddb-65c1b6fca891" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FederalFamilyEducationLoanProgramFfelpGuaranteedLoansMember_c08472f9-5525-466c-90da-fe58ad68a4bb" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesDebtSecuritiesMember_e21d4861-b64d-4bfc-b91c-707144e4c82a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesDebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_5693ba94-25a5-4577-9ddb-65c1b6fca891" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesDebtSecuritiesMember_e21d4861-b64d-4bfc-b91c-707144e4c82a" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_60b08f76-0eb3-40fd-b358-5447bbaa5727" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_5693ba94-25a5-4577-9ddb-65c1b6fca891" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_60b08f76-0eb3-40fd-b358-5447bbaa5727" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/InvestmentSecuritiesAFSandHTMContractualMaturitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#InvestmentSecuritiesAFSandHTMContractualMaturitiesDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/InvestmentSecuritiesAFSandHTMContractualMaturitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i3a6b9affc594405883019d6005916b74_InvestmentSecuritiesAFSandHTMContractualMaturitiesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTableLineItems_ffe8bf76-f95f-456f-a521-97cb6e3c3c73" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTableLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAbstract_14b246c8-d278-4b4f-b158-a055f28bd9a8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTableLineItems_ffe8bf76-f95f-456f-a521-97cb6e3c3c73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAbstract_14b246c8-d278-4b4f-b158-a055f28bd9a8" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_1bc6bffe-5544-4995-9bc3-2a4a137b2d21" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAbstract_14b246c8-d278-4b4f-b158-a055f28bd9a8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_1bc6bffe-5544-4995-9bc3-2a4a137b2d21" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearAmortizedCost_bed68cc1-2ad2-45ed-bd89-fae25fa1570f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearAmortizedCost"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_1bc6bffe-5544-4995-9bc3-2a4a137b2d21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearAmortizedCost_bed68cc1-2ad2-45ed-bd89-fae25fa1570f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsAmortizedCost_ee61ef8d-6ce3-4c36-9528-9781de6d0d89" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsAmortizedCost"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_1bc6bffe-5544-4995-9bc3-2a4a137b2d21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsAmortizedCost_ee61ef8d-6ce3-4c36-9528-9781de6d0d89" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsAmortizedCost_dba30ba2-b952-40ef-b6de-1662a91d0a0a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsAmortizedCost"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_1bc6bffe-5544-4995-9bc3-2a4a137b2d21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsAmortizedCost_dba30ba2-b952-40ef-b6de-1662a91d0a0a" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsAmortizedCost_8d09522f-ef1f-474d-a8f1-9070864ae3c6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsAmortizedCost"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_1bc6bffe-5544-4995-9bc3-2a4a137b2d21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsAmortizedCost_8d09522f-ef1f-474d-a8f1-9070864ae3c6" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithoutSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCost_e8e1890a-10e0-4c2b-b64b-3e45dee51d16" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithoutSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCost"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_1bc6bffe-5544-4995-9bc3-2a4a137b2d21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithoutSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCost_e8e1890a-10e0-4c2b-b64b-3e45dee51d16" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_f0e38667-814b-453e-985b-6a8024d1c4cc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_1bc6bffe-5544-4995-9bc3-2a4a137b2d21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_f0e38667-814b-453e-985b-6a8024d1c4cc" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAbstract_30607e5e-beda-417e-899a-b9a9650e27ce" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAbstract_14b246c8-d278-4b4f-b158-a055f28bd9a8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAbstract_30607e5e-beda-417e-899a-b9a9650e27ce" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearFairValue_107f2ad9-0743-4c68-a44c-de1cbb77d19e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAbstract_30607e5e-beda-417e-899a-b9a9650e27ce" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearFairValue_107f2ad9-0743-4c68-a44c-de1cbb77d19e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsFairValue_b10c66d7-3cff-488f-a46b-7b0dfdd64262" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAbstract_30607e5e-beda-417e-899a-b9a9650e27ce" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsFairValue_b10c66d7-3cff-488f-a46b-7b0dfdd64262" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsFairValue_d78df820-5fce-4cfc-b42f-3436ef907bd0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAbstract_30607e5e-beda-417e-899a-b9a9650e27ce" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsFairValue_d78df820-5fce-4cfc-b42f-3436ef907bd0" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsFairValue_0a6a7494-a5ec-4503-bab8-a56ff679e80e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAbstract_30607e5e-beda-417e-899a-b9a9650e27ce" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsFairValue_0a6a7494-a5ec-4503-bab8-a56ff679e80e" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithoutSingleMaturityDateFairValue_fef83348-a4cc-4c48-b35b-79e9440ac944" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithoutSingleMaturityDateFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAbstract_30607e5e-beda-417e-899a-b9a9650e27ce" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithoutSingleMaturityDateFairValue_fef83348-a4cc-4c48-b35b-79e9440ac944" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_b5be06d2-1c0c-4a7e-a0eb-463657e4d97b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAbstract_30607e5e-beda-417e-899a-b9a9650e27ce" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_b5be06d2-1c0c-4a7e-a0eb-463657e4d97b" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_RatioofFairValuetoAmortizedCostAFS_a8b79fcd-df72-4347-ab24-b59348663e95" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_RatioofFairValuetoAmortizedCostAFS"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAbstract_30607e5e-beda-417e-899a-b9a9650e27ce" xlink:to="loc_asb_RatioofFairValuetoAmortizedCostAFS_a8b79fcd-df72-4347-ab24-b59348663e95" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAbstract_b350d423-291a-4c72-bdad-03bc0b881cdb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTableLineItems_ffe8bf76-f95f-456f-a521-97cb6e3c3c73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAbstract_b350d423-291a-4c72-bdad-03bc0b881cdb" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_028767f2-8f6d-4152-a33d-4fbf38042205" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAbstract_b350d423-291a-4c72-bdad-03bc0b881cdb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_028767f2-8f6d-4152-a33d-4fbf38042205" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearNetCarryingAmount_082a359a-1626-40dc-98d4-5271128bb030" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearNetCarryingAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_028767f2-8f6d-4152-a33d-4fbf38042205" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearNetCarryingAmount_082a359a-1626-40dc-98d4-5271128bb030" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsNetCarryingAmount_275b104d-8d14-4a40-9522-92ff3c40d626" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsNetCarryingAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_028767f2-8f6d-4152-a33d-4fbf38042205" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsNetCarryingAmount_275b104d-8d14-4a40-9522-92ff3c40d626" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsNetCarryingAmount_6dd04ac7-601f-4fa2-9aba-5d5f53180d24" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsNetCarryingAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_028767f2-8f6d-4152-a33d-4fbf38042205" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsNetCarryingAmount_6dd04ac7-601f-4fa2-9aba-5d5f53180d24" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsNetCarryingAmount_d6f63f7c-1e71-4b2a-9d43-d70b1d7a9a60" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsNetCarryingAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_028767f2-8f6d-4152-a33d-4fbf38042205" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsNetCarryingAmount_d6f63f7c-1e71-4b2a-9d43-d70b1d7a9a60" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasis_413ec6ca-b537-4361-84fb-8090db69aec2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_028767f2-8f6d-4152-a33d-4fbf38042205" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasis_413ec6ca-b537-4361-84fb-8090db69aec2" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities_66f183d6-3e91-44de-a3f5-b7f53dd671d9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_028767f2-8f6d-4152-a33d-4fbf38042205" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities_66f183d6-3e91-44de-a3f5-b7f53dd671d9" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateFairValueAbstract_f1ac909b-e498-43e1-aeda-509c08e15823" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateFairValueAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAbstract_b350d423-291a-4c72-bdad-03bc0b881cdb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateFairValueAbstract_f1ac909b-e498-43e1-aeda-509c08e15823" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearFairValue_3de7076a-8a29-43a1-b5a4-ce55ea106e4d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateFairValueAbstract_f1ac909b-e498-43e1-aeda-509c08e15823" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearFairValue_3de7076a-8a29-43a1-b5a4-ce55ea106e4d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsFairValue_26bf6ddd-5e08-4005-8895-ac1ce7f6b64e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateFairValueAbstract_f1ac909b-e498-43e1-aeda-509c08e15823" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsFairValue_26bf6ddd-5e08-4005-8895-ac1ce7f6b64e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsFairValue_0d27caf4-99a7-4f96-a3a2-76f6e4769fc4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateFairValueAbstract_f1ac909b-e498-43e1-aeda-509c08e15823" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsFairValue_0d27caf4-99a7-4f96-a3a2-76f6e4769fc4" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsFairValue_1a5cb86f-cefa-4a91-8a91-aa0d45b730f3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateFairValueAbstract_f1ac909b-e498-43e1-aeda-509c08e15823" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsFairValue_1a5cb86f-cefa-4a91-8a91-aa0d45b730f3" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateFairValue_7092da0c-71ff-4096-aa4b-5b943b4bb711" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateFairValueAbstract_f1ac909b-e498-43e1-aeda-509c08e15823" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateFairValue_7092da0c-71ff-4096-aa4b-5b943b4bb711" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue_83138f51-5f31-402b-8f0e-4aa0d37fdb2e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateFairValueAbstract_f1ac909b-e498-43e1-aeda-509c08e15823" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue_83138f51-5f31-402b-8f0e-4aa0d37fdb2e" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_RatioOfFairValueToAmortizedCostHtm_1cb8f067-eaf3-4aa4-af50-c087b78046d5" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_RatioOfFairValueToAmortizedCostHtm"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateFairValueAbstract_f1ac909b-e498-43e1-aeda-509c08e15823" xlink:to="loc_asb_RatioOfFairValueToAmortizedCostHtm_1cb8f067-eaf3-4aa4-af50-c087b78046d5" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTable_7246b613-e51e-41e9-9733-35b1a5ed57f0" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTableLineItems_ffe8bf76-f95f-456f-a521-97cb6e3c3c73" xlink:to="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTable_7246b613-e51e-41e9-9733-35b1a5ed57f0" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesAxis_05ae30e9-000c-4e9a-bae3-0ddc54b5469e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTable_7246b613-e51e-41e9-9733-35b1a5ed57f0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesAxis_05ae30e9-000c-4e9a-bae3-0ddc54b5469e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_05ae30e9-000c-4e9a-bae3-0ddc54b5469e_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesAxis_05ae30e9-000c-4e9a-bae3-0ddc54b5469e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_05ae30e9-000c-4e9a-bae3-0ddc54b5469e_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_49c1362b-dd1b-41be-a0fa-747713b3f95e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesAxis_05ae30e9-000c-4e9a-bae3-0ddc54b5469e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_49c1362b-dd1b-41be-a0fa-747713b3f95e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_FNMAFHLMCMember_fdb7dffe-e662-4b9f-8ba1-07e1d24dd209" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_FNMAFHLMCMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_49c1362b-dd1b-41be-a0fa-747713b3f95e" xlink:to="loc_asb_FNMAFHLMCMember_fdb7dffe-e662-4b9f-8ba1-07e1d24dd209" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationGnmaInsuredLoansMember_2ce6ec9f-30d6-4820-b83c-d2e129c664da" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationGnmaInsuredLoansMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_49c1362b-dd1b-41be-a0fa-747713b3f95e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationGnmaInsuredLoansMember_2ce6ec9f-30d6-4820-b83c-d2e129c664da" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_510904b3-559a-431d-9eff-54db625ac400" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTable_7246b613-e51e-41e9-9733-35b1a5ed57f0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_510904b3-559a-431d-9eff-54db625ac400" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_510904b3-559a-431d-9eff-54db625ac400_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_510904b3-559a-431d-9eff-54db625ac400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_510904b3-559a-431d-9eff-54db625ac400_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_0ad8cabe-39c6-4edd-8169-365aacefd791" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_510904b3-559a-431d-9eff-54db625ac400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_0ad8cabe-39c6-4edd-8169-365aacefd791" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_58761f06-e5dc-4103-9551-a7b47edcfccb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_0ad8cabe-39c6-4edd-8169-365aacefd791" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_58761f06-e5dc-4103-9551-a7b47edcfccb" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember_9bc5d0a6-7bea-4311-8485-b8a203b18e80" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_0ad8cabe-39c6-4edd-8169-365aacefd791" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember_9bc5d0a6-7bea-4311-8485-b8a203b18e80" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_89bcf7d1-3721-4915-ba23-cdf3c2e0ac5e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_0ad8cabe-39c6-4edd-8169-365aacefd791" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_89bcf7d1-3721-4915-ba23-cdf3c2e0ac5e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FederalFamilyEducationLoanProgramFfelpGuaranteedLoansMember_54246616-9e8e-4b7f-8e95-b3589d439495" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FederalFamilyEducationLoanProgramFfelpGuaranteedLoansMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_0ad8cabe-39c6-4edd-8169-365aacefd791" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FederalFamilyEducationLoanProgramFfelpGuaranteedLoansMember_54246616-9e8e-4b7f-8e95-b3589d439495" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesDebtSecuritiesMember_0f5f8a98-e462-4909-ad79-794fd53df731" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesDebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_0ad8cabe-39c6-4edd-8169-365aacefd791" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesDebtSecuritiesMember_0f5f8a98-e462-4909-ad79-794fd53df731" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/InvestmentSecuritiesHTMCreditQualityIndicatorsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#InvestmentSecuritiesHTMCreditQualityIndicatorsDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/InvestmentSecuritiesHTMCreditQualityIndicatorsDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i3080c9d2ce444689a635f643dab4d272_InvestmentSecuritiesHTMCreditQualityIndicatorsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfHeldToMaturitySecuritiesLineItems_be4a190e-07c6-4a17-a706-3005d148f7a8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfHeldToMaturitySecuritiesLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities_f8c74ea8-7384-4eac-9c1e-e960b50ba9af" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfHeldToMaturitySecuritiesLineItems_be4a190e-07c6-4a17-a706-3005d148f7a8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities_f8c74ea8-7384-4eac-9c1e-e960b50ba9af" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfHeldToMaturitySecuritiesTable_1d9a693d-9de1-4aec-8809-3b93c8d9c1da" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfHeldToMaturitySecuritiesTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfHeldToMaturitySecuritiesLineItems_be4a190e-07c6-4a17-a706-3005d148f7a8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfHeldToMaturitySecuritiesTable_1d9a693d-9de1-4aec-8809-3b93c8d9c1da" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CreditRatingFitchAxis_e174e900-ab98-422a-826a-0b847e8eefbc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_CreditRatingFitchAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfHeldToMaturitySecuritiesTable_1d9a693d-9de1-4aec-8809-3b93c8d9c1da" xlink:to="loc_srt_CreditRatingFitchAxis_e174e900-ab98-422a-826a-0b847e8eefbc" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ExternalCreditRatingFitchMember_e174e900-ab98-422a-826a-0b847e8eefbc_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ExternalCreditRatingFitchMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_CreditRatingFitchAxis_e174e900-ab98-422a-826a-0b847e8eefbc" xlink:to="loc_srt_ExternalCreditRatingFitchMember_e174e900-ab98-422a-826a-0b847e8eefbc_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ExternalCreditRatingFitchMember_0f3cfbf7-b7e2-47c2-8fea-7159f3ba5ba1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ExternalCreditRatingFitchMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_CreditRatingFitchAxis_e174e900-ab98-422a-826a-0b847e8eefbc" xlink:to="loc_srt_ExternalCreditRatingFitchMember_0f3cfbf7-b7e2-47c2-8fea-7159f3ba5ba1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_FitchAAARatingMember_3317938c-ec56-456f-93c9-a9af33cf245b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_FitchAAARatingMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ExternalCreditRatingFitchMember_0f3cfbf7-b7e2-47c2-8fea-7159f3ba5ba1" xlink:to="loc_srt_FitchAAARatingMember_3317938c-ec56-456f-93c9-a9af33cf245b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_FitchAARatingMember_e6ed0d72-5eb6-4413-902f-5376ebb593f3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_FitchAARatingMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ExternalCreditRatingFitchMember_0f3cfbf7-b7e2-47c2-8fea-7159f3ba5ba1" xlink:to="loc_srt_FitchAARatingMember_e6ed0d72-5eb6-4413-902f-5376ebb593f3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_FitchARatingMember_a2e96fae-44ce-41e6-9d30-e77e4610c00b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_FitchARatingMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ExternalCreditRatingFitchMember_0f3cfbf7-b7e2-47c2-8fea-7159f3ba5ba1" xlink:to="loc_srt_FitchARatingMember_a2e96fae-44ce-41e6-9d30-e77e4610c00b" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_CreditRatingNotRatedAxis_1fbc1745-934e-45e2-8ebe-eafef8d2df89" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_CreditRatingNotRatedAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfHeldToMaturitySecuritiesTable_1d9a693d-9de1-4aec-8809-3b93c8d9c1da" xlink:to="loc_asb_CreditRatingNotRatedAxis_1fbc1745-934e-45e2-8ebe-eafef8d2df89" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_CreditRatingNotRatedDomain_1fbc1745-934e-45e2-8ebe-eafef8d2df89_default" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_CreditRatingNotRatedDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_asb_CreditRatingNotRatedAxis_1fbc1745-934e-45e2-8ebe-eafef8d2df89" xlink:to="loc_asb_CreditRatingNotRatedDomain_1fbc1745-934e-45e2-8ebe-eafef8d2df89_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_CreditRatingNotRatedDomain_6462fba4-1c3d-4e5a-9411-4ee20bebb543" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_CreditRatingNotRatedDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_asb_CreditRatingNotRatedAxis_1fbc1745-934e-45e2-8ebe-eafef8d2df89" xlink:to="loc_asb_CreditRatingNotRatedDomain_6462fba4-1c3d-4e5a-9411-4ee20bebb543" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_NotRatedMember_dc411475-a73b-4a95-96c1-ebaa1a536ac2" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_NotRatedMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_CreditRatingNotRatedDomain_6462fba4-1c3d-4e5a-9411-4ee20bebb543" xlink:to="loc_asb_NotRatedMember_dc411475-a73b-4a95-96c1-ebaa1a536ac2" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_10266bfb-3e89-4b28-9bea-9431dcdfe19a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfHeldToMaturitySecuritiesTable_1d9a693d-9de1-4aec-8809-3b93c8d9c1da" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_10266bfb-3e89-4b28-9bea-9431dcdfe19a" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_10266bfb-3e89-4b28-9bea-9431dcdfe19a_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_10266bfb-3e89-4b28-9bea-9431dcdfe19a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_10266bfb-3e89-4b28-9bea-9431dcdfe19a_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_9dd93ef7-3ca3-4b4f-9cd4-cc551094971a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_10266bfb-3e89-4b28-9bea-9431dcdfe19a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_9dd93ef7-3ca3-4b4f-9cd4-cc551094971a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_23c3bdf2-d2f6-402a-92f8-e09e00b6f107" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_9dd93ef7-3ca3-4b4f-9cd4-cc551094971a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_23c3bdf2-d2f6-402a-92f8-e09e00b6f107" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_f351fa07-ca0e-412f-b983-9f2ccb3d5de0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_9dd93ef7-3ca3-4b4f-9cd4-cc551094971a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_f351fa07-ca0e-412f-b983-9f2ccb3d5de0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_81dd554c-2425-4f34-901e-0fabaa5fe52f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_9dd93ef7-3ca3-4b4f-9cd4-cc551094971a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_81dd554c-2425-4f34-901e-0fabaa5fe52f" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember_70e27d68-30ef-44ea-a54d-5a27ae648a8f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_9dd93ef7-3ca3-4b4f-9cd4-cc551094971a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember_70e27d68-30ef-44ea-a54d-5a27ae648a8f" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_0fc87169-1eaf-4b80-a8ce-d527764ab51b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_9dd93ef7-3ca3-4b4f-9cd4-cc551094971a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_0fc87169-1eaf-4b80-a8ce-d527764ab51b" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesAxis_dae28d44-1cfb-4919-801c-a1c0b7a516a4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfHeldToMaturitySecuritiesTable_1d9a693d-9de1-4aec-8809-3b93c8d9c1da" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesAxis_dae28d44-1cfb-4919-801c-a1c0b7a516a4" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_dae28d44-1cfb-4919-801c-a1c0b7a516a4_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesAxis_dae28d44-1cfb-4919-801c-a1c0b7a516a4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_dae28d44-1cfb-4919-801c-a1c0b7a516a4_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_3908ca6b-057d-40c8-84e9-edf6508549e5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesAxis_dae28d44-1cfb-4919-801c-a1c0b7a516a4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_3908ca6b-057d-40c8-84e9-edf6508549e5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_FNMAFHLMCMember_67f30e9e-0c0d-4727-8ceb-0f70d240f865" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_FNMAFHLMCMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_3908ca6b-057d-40c8-84e9-edf6508549e5" xlink:to="loc_asb_FNMAFHLMCMember_67f30e9e-0c0d-4727-8ceb-0f70d240f865" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationGnmaInsuredLoansMember_8d49343a-9a55-484b-a3a3-a2a77f9ad3f8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationGnmaInsuredLoansMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_3908ca6b-057d-40c8-84e9-edf6508549e5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationGnmaInsuredLoansMember_8d49343a-9a55-484b-a3a3-a2a77f9ad3f8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/InvestmentSecuritiesAFSandHTMSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLossesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#InvestmentSecuritiesAFSandHTMSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLossesDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/InvestmentSecuritiesAFSandHTMSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLossesDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i232d064305494b43938c43137ea2a3ad_InvestmentSecuritiesAFSandHTMSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLossesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTableLineItems_f2014484-1b35-481c-b7cd-4ab00e09485d" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTableLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsNumberOfPositions_59f051fd-6d1a-4560-aadc-847755955639" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsNumberOfPositions"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTableLineItems_f2014484-1b35-481c-b7cd-4ab00e09485d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsNumberOfPositions_59f051fd-6d1a-4560-aadc-847755955639" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss_47d3c622-d364-4f2b-b5f5-8f5493b71eee" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTableLineItems_f2014484-1b35-481c-b7cd-4ab00e09485d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss_47d3c622-d364-4f2b-b5f5-8f5493b71eee" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12Months_35fee19f-b471-436e-a7c5-6d91ca0c0a18" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12Months"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTableLineItems_f2014484-1b35-481c-b7cd-4ab00e09485d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12Months_35fee19f-b471-436e-a7c5-6d91ca0c0a18" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerNumberOfPositions_a2e041db-9a6b-4a32-9fbf-1ca69cc34c36" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerNumberOfPositions"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTableLineItems_f2014484-1b35-481c-b7cd-4ab00e09485d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerNumberOfPositions_a2e041db-9a6b-4a32-9fbf-1ca69cc34c36" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss_0abc90b5-0e6b-4248-a1d4-358c7c22c80b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTableLineItems_f2014484-1b35-481c-b7cd-4ab00e09485d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss_0abc90b5-0e6b-4248-a1d4-358c7c22c80b" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLonger_c8fafafd-e3af-4d7c-a18b-b960818963e3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLonger"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTableLineItems_f2014484-1b35-481c-b7cd-4ab00e09485d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLonger_c8fafafd-e3af-4d7c-a18b-b960818963e3" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss_4fe150a8-4b10-4645-ba5d-4cd58b0bb295" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTableLineItems_f2014484-1b35-481c-b7cd-4ab00e09485d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss_4fe150a8-4b10-4645-ba5d-4cd58b0bb295" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleUnrealizedLossPosition_35782b92-a55d-4fa9-ae47-b4b3f11e0dfe" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleUnrealizedLossPosition"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTableLineItems_f2014484-1b35-481c-b7cd-4ab00e09485d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleUnrealizedLossPosition_35782b92-a55d-4fa9-ae47-b4b3f11e0dfe" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_7af6b4bb-fc8f-45d4-9b2b-6e07613d45d5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTableLineItems_f2014484-1b35-481c-b7cd-4ab00e09485d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_7af6b4bb-fc8f-45d4-9b2b-6e07613d45d5" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesInUnrealizedLossPositionsQualitativeDisclosureNumberOfPositions_368d7295-7b07-4517-bbe5-a77e01f5dae5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesInUnrealizedLossPositionsQualitativeDisclosureNumberOfPositions"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_7af6b4bb-fc8f-45d4-9b2b-6e07613d45d5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesInUnrealizedLossPositionsQualitativeDisclosureNumberOfPositions_368d7295-7b07-4517-bbe5-a77e01f5dae5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss_d3139f57-3700-483d-ab24-08747b91f838" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_7af6b4bb-fc8f-45d4-9b2b-6e07613d45d5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss_d3139f57-3700-483d-ab24-08747b91f838" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue_9c94c639-c75d-42f7-8c5a-f40bb0a41234" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_7af6b4bb-fc8f-45d4-9b2b-6e07613d45d5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue_9c94c639-c75d-42f7-8c5a-f40bb0a41234" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss_b12e00d8-3e34-46a0-9f45-09842977a6af" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_7af6b4bb-fc8f-45d4-9b2b-6e07613d45d5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss_b12e00d8-3e34-46a0-9f45-09842977a6af" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue_2c87088e-b407-4f66-8d75-3f8bafc00d46" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_7af6b4bb-fc8f-45d4-9b2b-6e07613d45d5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue_2c87088e-b407-4f66-8d75-3f8bafc00d46" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss_5472b3b9-1967-4b99-bfc4-6c5fafb11c2f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_7af6b4bb-fc8f-45d4-9b2b-6e07613d45d5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss_5472b3b9-1967-4b99-bfc4-6c5fafb11c2f" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue_dde15c31-f7e6-4369-bc39-aa97376e72bd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAbstract_7af6b4bb-fc8f-45d4-9b2b-6e07613d45d5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue_dde15c31-f7e6-4369-bc39-aa97376e72bd" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTable_f00fcedc-80f2-4da6-8c5d-804d8972d92e" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTableLineItems_f2014484-1b35-481c-b7cd-4ab00e09485d" xlink:to="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTable_f00fcedc-80f2-4da6-8c5d-804d8972d92e" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesAxis_9b80701b-713a-41d4-b652-21beef103b77" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTable_f00fcedc-80f2-4da6-8c5d-804d8972d92e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesAxis_9b80701b-713a-41d4-b652-21beef103b77" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_9b80701b-713a-41d4-b652-21beef103b77_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesAxis_9b80701b-713a-41d4-b652-21beef103b77" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_9b80701b-713a-41d4-b652-21beef103b77_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_211ab021-dd9e-48ca-99d2-652d3fff8c51" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesAxis_9b80701b-713a-41d4-b652-21beef103b77" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_211ab021-dd9e-48ca-99d2-652d3fff8c51" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_FNMAFHLMCMember_10de57ad-b9e6-477d-90be-3bba4c46da9b" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_FNMAFHLMCMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_211ab021-dd9e-48ca-99d2-652d3fff8c51" xlink:to="loc_asb_FNMAFHLMCMember_10de57ad-b9e6-477d-90be-3bba4c46da9b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationGnmaInsuredLoansMember_bbbd1732-1a2c-4440-9c82-e872c2a65f03" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationGnmaInsuredLoansMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_211ab021-dd9e-48ca-99d2-652d3fff8c51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationGnmaInsuredLoansMember_bbbd1732-1a2c-4440-9c82-e872c2a65f03" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_adccd7c9-a9b0-4541-81ce-a9f831902c89" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTable_f00fcedc-80f2-4da6-8c5d-804d8972d92e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_adccd7c9-a9b0-4541-81ce-a9f831902c89" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_adccd7c9-a9b0-4541-81ce-a9f831902c89_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_adccd7c9-a9b0-4541-81ce-a9f831902c89" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_adccd7c9-a9b0-4541-81ce-a9f831902c89_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_bbe561ab-ce60-43dc-a0c4-58e1da61e292" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_adccd7c9-a9b0-4541-81ce-a9f831902c89" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_bbe561ab-ce60-43dc-a0c4-58e1da61e292" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_5b8d8514-a2b7-4a75-a3fb-dd875ead3275" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_bbe561ab-ce60-43dc-a0c4-58e1da61e292" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_5b8d8514-a2b7-4a75-a3fb-dd875ead3275" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AgencySecuritiesMember_291bbf31-4527-41dc-b1f3-62cb15f4a65b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AgencySecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_bbe561ab-ce60-43dc-a0c4-58e1da61e292" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AgencySecuritiesMember_291bbf31-4527-41dc-b1f3-62cb15f4a65b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_d47af046-87a3-40f7-bb17-56ff0a1ed344" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_bbe561ab-ce60-43dc-a0c4-58e1da61e292" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_d47af046-87a3-40f7-bb17-56ff0a1ed344" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_8d533641-c613-4f68-b0b1-f5e40238b65e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_bbe561ab-ce60-43dc-a0c4-58e1da61e292" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_8d533641-c613-4f68-b0b1-f5e40238b65e" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember_7ce5741e-f820-49ef-bbde-81299985edcb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_bbe561ab-ce60-43dc-a0c4-58e1da61e292" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember_7ce5741e-f820-49ef-bbde-81299985edcb" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_cf609fa4-b8da-4e06-be51-a1edabae70db" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_bbe561ab-ce60-43dc-a0c4-58e1da61e292" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_cf609fa4-b8da-4e06-be51-a1edabae70db" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FederalFamilyEducationLoanProgramFfelpGuaranteedLoansMember_a45920a7-129f-41c1-8f45-b1953b48c334" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FederalFamilyEducationLoanProgramFfelpGuaranteedLoansMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_bbe561ab-ce60-43dc-a0c4-58e1da61e292" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FederalFamilyEducationLoanProgramFfelpGuaranteedLoansMember_a45920a7-129f-41c1-8f45-b1953b48c334" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesDebtSecuritiesMember_3382d2c9-445f-47e3-86a0-4abf8b281462" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesDebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_bbe561ab-ce60-43dc-a0c4-58e1da61e292" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesDebtSecuritiesMember_3382d2c9-445f-47e3-86a0-4abf8b281462" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_4b1ce347-8d43-4181-872b-47e0342ffe27" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_bbe561ab-ce60-43dc-a0c4-58e1da61e292" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_4b1ce347-8d43-4181-872b-47e0342ffe27" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_LengthoftimeheldtomaturitysecuritiesareincontinuousunrealizedlosspositionaxisAxis_3d520c4a-440f-4439-979e-1b9a13a80fa3" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_LengthoftimeheldtomaturitysecuritiesareincontinuousunrealizedlosspositionaxisAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleofAvailableforsaleandHeldtomaturitySecuritiesTable_f00fcedc-80f2-4da6-8c5d-804d8972d92e" xlink:to="loc_asb_LengthoftimeheldtomaturitysecuritiesareincontinuousunrealizedlosspositionaxisAxis_3d520c4a-440f-4439-979e-1b9a13a80fa3" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_LengthOfTimeHeldToMaturitySecuritiesAreInContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionDomain_3d520c4a-440f-4439-979e-1b9a13a80fa3_default" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_LengthOfTimeHeldToMaturitySecuritiesAreInContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_asb_LengthoftimeheldtomaturitysecuritiesareincontinuousunrealizedlosspositionaxisAxis_3d520c4a-440f-4439-979e-1b9a13a80fa3" xlink:to="loc_asb_LengthOfTimeHeldToMaturitySecuritiesAreInContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionDomain_3d520c4a-440f-4439-979e-1b9a13a80fa3_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_LengthOfTimeHeldToMaturitySecuritiesAreInContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionDomain_c6e01ef2-c36c-4eb2-8206-af6fc0cf02e2" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_LengthOfTimeHeldToMaturitySecuritiesAreInContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_asb_LengthoftimeheldtomaturitysecuritiesareincontinuousunrealizedlosspositionaxisAxis_3d520c4a-440f-4439-979e-1b9a13a80fa3" xlink:to="loc_asb_LengthOfTimeHeldToMaturitySecuritiesAreInContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionDomain_c6e01ef2-c36c-4eb2-8206-af6fc0cf02e2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_HeldtomaturitysecuritiesinunrealizedlosspositionsqualitativedisclosurenumberofpositionsgreaterthanorequaltooneyearMember_3f77485b-16b2-4023-9d22-f1e7eb90cc9d" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_HeldtomaturitysecuritiesinunrealizedlosspositionsqualitativedisclosurenumberofpositionsgreaterthanorequaltooneyearMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_asb_LengthoftimeheldtomaturitysecuritiesareincontinuousunrealizedlosspositionaxisAxis_3d520c4a-440f-4439-979e-1b9a13a80fa3" xlink:to="loc_asb_HeldtomaturitysecuritiesinunrealizedlosspositionsqualitativedisclosurenumberofpositionsgreaterthanorequaltooneyearMember_3f77485b-16b2-4023-9d22-f1e7eb90cc9d" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_HeldtomaturitysecuritiesinunrealizedlosspositionsqualitativedisclosurenumberofpositionslessthanoneyearMember_dd70d5ed-7bba-473c-a15f-e0c88c900cd9" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_HeldtomaturitysecuritiesinunrealizedlosspositionsqualitativedisclosurenumberofpositionslessthanoneyearMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_asb_LengthoftimeheldtomaturitysecuritiesareincontinuousunrealizedlosspositionaxisAxis_3d520c4a-440f-4439-979e-1b9a13a80fa3" xlink:to="loc_asb_HeldtomaturitysecuritiesinunrealizedlosspositionsqualitativedisclosurenumberofpositionslessthanoneyearMember_dd70d5ed-7bba-473c-a15f-e0c88c900cd9" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/InvestmentSecuritiesDetailsTextual" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#InvestmentSecuritiesDetailsTextual"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/InvestmentSecuritiesDetailsTextual" xlink:type="extended" id="i50be49b122284cc2af07646a0a039f8e_InvestmentSecuritiesDetailsTextual">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_InvestmentSecuritiesInformationLineItems_20580ac2-f565-4be4-a462-990f2b7a8c32" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_InvestmentSecuritiesInformationLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_TransferOfAFSSecuritiesToHTMSecuritiesFairValue_010a4aa1-ee4f-4b93-be80-2771869ffd46" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_TransferOfAFSSecuritiesToHTMSecuritiesFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_InvestmentSecuritiesInformationLineItems_20580ac2-f565-4be4-a462-990f2b7a8c32" xlink:to="loc_asb_TransferOfAFSSecuritiesToHTMSecuritiesFairValue_010a4aa1-ee4f-4b93-be80-2771869ffd46" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities_8eab23fa-7184-4fe2-a175-743aa8939715" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_InvestmentSecuritiesInformationLineItems_20580ac2-f565-4be4-a462-990f2b7a8c32" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities_8eab23fa-7184-4fe2-a175-743aa8939715" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCollateralAmount_cbc8b5f6-b8a2-454d-b8fa-a5d59d96c55f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCollateralAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_InvestmentSecuritiesInformationLineItems_20580ac2-f565-4be4-a462-990f2b7a8c32" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCollateralAmount_cbc8b5f6-b8a2-454d-b8fa-a5d59d96c55f" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestReceivable_da3d84ea-4591-472a-ace0-e3536fdbdcfe" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestReceivable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_InvestmentSecuritiesInformationLineItems_20580ac2-f565-4be4-a462-990f2b7a8c32" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestReceivable_da3d84ea-4591-472a-ace0-e3536fdbdcfe" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesHeldToMaturityNonaccrualInterestIncome_be56cf64-0b1a-4ab4-bad8-ac55d1050a49" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesHeldToMaturityNonaccrualInterestIncome"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_InvestmentSecuritiesInformationLineItems_20580ac2-f565-4be4-a462-990f2b7a8c32" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesHeldToMaturityNonaccrualInterestIncome_be56cf64-0b1a-4ab4-bad8-ac55d1050a49" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_DebtSecuritiesHTMPastDueStatus_c2d920f1-b3cf-4d44-a776-45b09ca0a3c7" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_DebtSecuritiesHTMPastDueStatus"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_InvestmentSecuritiesInformationLineItems_20580ac2-f565-4be4-a462-990f2b7a8c32" xlink:to="loc_asb_DebtSecuritiesHTMPastDueStatus_c2d920f1-b3cf-4d44-a776-45b09ca0a3c7" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesHeldToMaturityAllowanceForCreditLoss_052441b4-20b9-4041-8010-b8993d4eefd1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesHeldToMaturityAllowanceForCreditLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_InvestmentSecuritiesInformationLineItems_20580ac2-f565-4be4-a462-990f2b7a8c32" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesHeldToMaturityAllowanceForCreditLoss_052441b4-20b9-4041-8010-b8993d4eefd1" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankStock_0b66e568-1506-4927-9c75-4ad02c1f31a2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankStock"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_InvestmentSecuritiesInformationLineItems_20580ac2-f565-4be4-a462-990f2b7a8c32" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankStock_0b66e568-1506-4927-9c75-4ad02c1f31a2" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FederalReserveBankStock_aebd69f5-ca04-4b21-a88e-db47af696282" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FederalReserveBankStock"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_InvestmentSecuritiesInformationLineItems_20580ac2-f565-4be4-a462-990f2b7a8c32" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FederalReserveBankStock_aebd69f5-ca04-4b21-a88e-db47af696282" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi_850d1cc1-fc11-4259-8d77-6931ca12815f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_InvestmentSecuritiesInformationLineItems_20580ac2-f565-4be4-a462-990f2b7a8c32" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi_850d1cc1-fc11-4259-8d77-6931ca12815f" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_VisaRestrictedStockOwnedTotal_41a45234-5529-46e9-a6f3-e9cb37fe1b0a" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_VisaRestrictedStockOwnedTotal"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_InvestmentSecuritiesInformationLineItems_20580ac2-f565-4be4-a462-990f2b7a8c32" xlink:to="loc_asb_VisaRestrictedStockOwnedTotal_41a45234-5529-46e9-a6f3-e9cb37fe1b0a" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueAmount_2c3279b5-8d5c-431d-af7c-529561c891df" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_InvestmentSecuritiesInformationLineItems_20580ac2-f565-4be4-a462-990f2b7a8c32" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueAmount_2c3279b5-8d5c-431d-af7c-529561c891df" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_ScheduleOfInvestmentSecuritiesInformationTable_150044c5-de54-4c05-a622-7baaecbc3763" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_ScheduleOfInvestmentSecuritiesInformationTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_asb_InvestmentSecuritiesInformationLineItems_20580ac2-f565-4be4-a462-990f2b7a8c32" xlink:to="loc_asb_ScheduleOfInvestmentSecuritiesInformationTable_150044c5-de54-4c05-a622-7baaecbc3763" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_SecuritiesInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesAxis_023d3a27-1380-4ebc-8c4c-b3fac0f5f15e" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_SecuritiesInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleOfInvestmentSecuritiesInformationTable_150044c5-de54-4c05-a622-7baaecbc3763" xlink:to="loc_asb_SecuritiesInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesAxis_023d3a27-1380-4ebc-8c4c-b3fac0f5f15e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_SecuritiesInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_023d3a27-1380-4ebc-8c4c-b3fac0f5f15e_default" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_SecuritiesInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_asb_SecuritiesInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesAxis_023d3a27-1380-4ebc-8c4c-b3fac0f5f15e" xlink:to="loc_asb_SecuritiesInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_023d3a27-1380-4ebc-8c4c-b3fac0f5f15e_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_SecuritiesInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_2398e454-7dbd-4564-8b4a-8e7422b8953a" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_SecuritiesInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_asb_SecuritiesInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesAxis_023d3a27-1380-4ebc-8c4c-b3fac0f5f15e" xlink:to="loc_asb_SecuritiesInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_2398e454-7dbd-4564-8b4a-8e7422b8953a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_dbc12b22-e9ab-4928-b2ed-33e0d0a4dec4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_SecuritiesInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_2398e454-7dbd-4564-8b4a-8e7422b8953a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_dbc12b22-e9ab-4928-b2ed-33e0d0a4dec4" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_4a7cfcf6-3a4c-4f19-a33d-524de845ebde" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_SecuritiesInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_2398e454-7dbd-4564-8b4a-8e7422b8953a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_4a7cfcf6-3a4c-4f19-a33d-524de845ebde" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember_258fb4cb-5b15-4998-abf7-e00d1a41ea33" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_SecuritiesInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_2398e454-7dbd-4564-8b4a-8e7422b8953a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember_258fb4cb-5b15-4998-abf7-e00d1a41ea33" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_04ef6ff8-bfbe-4b16-8ecd-0df836f181eb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleOfInvestmentSecuritiesInformationTable_150044c5-de54-4c05-a622-7baaecbc3763" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_04ef6ff8-bfbe-4b16-8ecd-0df836f181eb" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_04ef6ff8-bfbe-4b16-8ecd-0df836f181eb_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_04ef6ff8-bfbe-4b16-8ecd-0df836f181eb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_04ef6ff8-bfbe-4b16-8ecd-0df836f181eb_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_cd67a9f7-b2a7-4d1e-a001-ed918865c4a4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_04ef6ff8-bfbe-4b16-8ecd-0df836f181eb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_cd67a9f7-b2a7-4d1e-a001-ed918865c4a4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesMember_02eb81d8-0cb4-41b7-be71-d99d8ab773b9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_cd67a9f7-b2a7-4d1e-a001-ed918865c4a4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesMember_02eb81d8-0cb4-41b7-be71-d99d8ab773b9" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesMember_809fd6ec-2dd8-4fc0-87be-2e8743eee800" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_cd67a9f7-b2a7-4d1e-a001-ed918865c4a4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesMember_809fd6ec-2dd8-4fc0-87be-2e8743eee800" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankCertificatesAndObligationsFHLBMember_b515fb2f-f989-4c08-a6af-40e2808d6ff8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankCertificatesAndObligationsFHLBMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_cd67a9f7-b2a7-4d1e-a001-ed918865c4a4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankCertificatesAndObligationsFHLBMember_b515fb2f-f989-4c08-a6af-40e2808d6ff8" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_FederalReserveBankStockMember_8d2e9d74-17e2-424f-8514-0743076bd3ce" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_FederalReserveBankStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_cd67a9f7-b2a7-4d1e-a001-ed918865c4a4" xlink:to="loc_asb_FederalReserveBankStockMember_8d2e9d74-17e2-424f-8514-0743076bd3ce" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/LoansCompositionDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#LoansCompositionDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/LoansCompositionDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="if3bd00ef886249e78134da2dd546911e_LoansCompositionDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableDisclosureLineItems_77c4517c-b6f1-4b68-b206-98c3ffaf6cbe" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetOfDeferredIncome_11cb6319-9132-4ba4-b660-8d485f1fb22b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetOfDeferredIncome"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableDisclosureLineItems_77c4517c-b6f1-4b68-b206-98c3ffaf6cbe" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetOfDeferredIncome_11cb6319-9132-4ba4-b660-8d485f1fb22b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTable_a5c186a4-2d35-4de9-be94-390aba7ca4b2" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableDisclosureLineItems_77c4517c-b6f1-4b68-b206-98c3ffaf6cbe" xlink:to="loc_asb_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTable_a5c186a4-2d35-4de9-be94-390aba7ca4b2" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_dfd6d83f-3eb2-4fc7-9de9-fe3f2538e6c5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTable_a5c186a4-2d35-4de9-be94-390aba7ca4b2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_dfd6d83f-3eb2-4fc7-9de9-fe3f2538e6c5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_dfd6d83f-3eb2-4fc7-9de9-fe3f2538e6c5_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_dfd6d83f-3eb2-4fc7-9de9-fe3f2538e6c5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_dfd6d83f-3eb2-4fc7-9de9-fe3f2538e6c5_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_ff13edba-f927-4a53-a340-acc7a1223e24" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_dfd6d83f-3eb2-4fc7-9de9-fe3f2538e6c5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_ff13edba-f927-4a53-a340-acc7a1223e24" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_PaycheckProtectionProgramMember_ceeaee48-8252-4dee-b65e-ee84eeb1ec57" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_PaycheckProtectionProgramMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_ff13edba-f927-4a53-a340-acc7a1223e24" xlink:to="loc_asb_PaycheckProtectionProgramMember_ceeaee48-8252-4dee-b65e-ee84eeb1ec57" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_AssetBasedLendingMember_832a93a8-d0fd-46be-9b57-760212e7227a" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_AssetBasedLendingMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_ff13edba-f927-4a53-a340-acc7a1223e24" xlink:to="loc_asb_AssetBasedLendingMember_832a93a8-d0fd-46be-9b57-760212e7227a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialAndIndustrialSectorMember_cac7b63b-c617-4165-89c6-f90fd04a0ba7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialAndIndustrialSectorMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_ff13edba-f927-4a53-a340-acc7a1223e24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialAndIndustrialSectorMember_cac7b63b-c617-4165-89c6-f90fd04a0ba7" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedPortfolioMember_857696ed-1d1a-4577-a532-a609573ab7a2" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedPortfolioMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_ff13edba-f927-4a53-a340-acc7a1223e24" xlink:to="loc_asb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedPortfolioMember_857696ed-1d1a-4577-a532-a609573ab7a2" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_CommercialAndBusinessLendingMember_92d9333e-3aaa-481d-927e-0e9e57ae6d6f" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_CommercialAndBusinessLendingMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_ff13edba-f927-4a53-a340-acc7a1223e24" xlink:to="loc_asb_CommercialAndBusinessLendingMember_92d9333e-3aaa-481d-927e-0e9e57ae6d6f" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorPortfolioSegmentMember_f01f89e6-421b-4fe5-aeda-38c6f6e7218f" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_ff13edba-f927-4a53-a340-acc7a1223e24" xlink:to="loc_asb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorPortfolioSegmentMember_f01f89e6-421b-4fe5-aeda-38c6f6e7218f" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConstructionLoansMember_f761cfd9-a4a6-40e5-ba27-17346d723677" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ConstructionLoansMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_ff13edba-f927-4a53-a340-acc7a1223e24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConstructionLoansMember_f761cfd9-a4a6-40e5-ba27-17346d723677" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember_14097596-e5ca-4c77-8549-9ec0f0b70321" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_ff13edba-f927-4a53-a340-acc7a1223e24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember_14097596-e5ca-4c77-8549-9ec0f0b70321" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_afd6d74f-cb35-42f1-aaa9-198c62ff03c2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_ff13edba-f927-4a53-a340-acc7a1223e24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_afd6d74f-cb35-42f1-aaa9-198c62ff03c2" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember_ecc2767a-b09b-4a65-a8ac-38d2ce29a958" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_ff13edba-f927-4a53-a340-acc7a1223e24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember_ecc2767a-b09b-4a65-a8ac-38d2ce29a958" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_AutoMember_2977d3b1-db94-4e4d-8650-f8c21b132b5f" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_AutoMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_ff13edba-f927-4a53-a340-acc7a1223e24" xlink:to="loc_asb_AutoMember_2977d3b1-db94-4e4d-8650-f8c21b132b5f" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityMember_c1c1e645-0596-4f1f-af53-0a0189c7a911" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HomeEquityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_ff13edba-f927-4a53-a340-acc7a1223e24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityMember_c1c1e645-0596-4f1f-af53-0a0189c7a911" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_OtherConsumerMember_f85aec78-475b-45f5-95fc-67e31a8be855" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_OtherConsumerMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_ff13edba-f927-4a53-a340-acc7a1223e24" xlink:to="loc_asb_OtherConsumerMember_f85aec78-475b-45f5-95fc-67e31a8be855" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember_ba5cc5ed-6d29-4cf0-90be-0e8e173a6a48" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_ff13edba-f927-4a53-a340-acc7a1223e24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember_ba5cc5ed-6d29-4cf0-90be-0e8e173a6a48" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/LoansCreditQualityIndicatorbyVintageYearDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#LoansCreditQualityIndicatorbyVintageYearDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/LoansCreditQualityIndicatorbyVintageYearDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i68af13a0e4874f3693b2df02ea419215_LoansCreditQualityIndicatorbyVintageYearDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_c95332ae-847b-4324-9c0c-a7b4413a6d30" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRevolvingConvertedToTermLoan_17ed0cca-79a7-4f85-bb7b-21ca39d4b85d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRevolvingConvertedToTermLoan"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_c95332ae-847b-4324-9c0c-a7b4413a6d30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRevolvingConvertedToTermLoan_17ed0cca-79a7-4f85-bb7b-21ca39d4b85d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRevolving_15ec0b6c-18e4-4651-9983-601bef374e6d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRevolving"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_c95332ae-847b-4324-9c0c-a7b4413a6d30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRevolving_15ec0b6c-18e4-4651-9983-601bef374e6d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedInCurrentFiscalYear_c9616e30-72ff-49f6-bd70-c55973c51644" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedInCurrentFiscalYear"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_c95332ae-847b-4324-9c0c-a7b4413a6d30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedInCurrentFiscalYear_c9616e30-72ff-49f6-bd70-c55973c51644" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedInFiscalYearBeforeLatestFiscalYear_7ecdb658-5b97-401c-adbb-593fa04a33ac" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedInFiscalYearBeforeLatestFiscalYear"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_c95332ae-847b-4324-9c0c-a7b4413a6d30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedInFiscalYearBeforeLatestFiscalYear_7ecdb658-5b97-401c-adbb-593fa04a33ac" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear_486ba0b4-0781-44e0-bfa8-48d07ed752d6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_c95332ae-847b-4324-9c0c-a7b4413a6d30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear_486ba0b4-0781-44e0-bfa8-48d07ed752d6" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedThreeYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear_1b34fe3c-e707-4d2c-8f69-6a8d01c92831" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedThreeYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_c95332ae-847b-4324-9c0c-a7b4413a6d30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedThreeYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear_1b34fe3c-e707-4d2c-8f69-6a8d01c92831" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedFourYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear_f5751336-1b80-4737-a193-652870fc6282" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedFourYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_c95332ae-847b-4324-9c0c-a7b4413a6d30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedFourYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear_f5751336-1b80-4737-a193-652870fc6282" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedFiveOrMoreYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear_97dcccab-256e-4d1f-8439-d0f3b88ad341" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedFiveOrMoreYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_c95332ae-847b-4324-9c0c-a7b4413a6d30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedFiveOrMoreYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear_97dcccab-256e-4d1f-8439-d0f3b88ad341" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross_ef9560f5-feaf-4342-b8df-61b92b4df70f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_c95332ae-847b-4324-9c0c-a7b4413a6d30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross_ef9560f5-feaf-4342-b8df-61b92b4df70f" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable_7b7a87f3-8109-4ec1-8112-f9d07f520859" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_c95332ae-847b-4324-9c0c-a7b4413a6d30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable_7b7a87f3-8109-4ec1-8112-f9d07f520859" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_44dcd903-ed4d-4bde-a625-6d4dab379267" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable_7b7a87f3-8109-4ec1-8112-f9d07f520859" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_44dcd903-ed4d-4bde-a625-6d4dab379267" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_44dcd903-ed4d-4bde-a625-6d4dab379267_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_44dcd903-ed4d-4bde-a625-6d4dab379267" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_44dcd903-ed4d-4bde-a625-6d4dab379267_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_5b807331-3eae-4313-869e-29c94c778c59" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis_44dcd903-ed4d-4bde-a625-6d4dab379267" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_5b807331-3eae-4313-869e-29c94c778c59" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_aa9bc9e9-35c4-4460-997c-8de0141aab40" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_5b807331-3eae-4313-869e-29c94c778c59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_aa9bc9e9-35c4-4460-997c-8de0141aab40" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember_9b96b10e-3a21-4f10-a3ef-1dfd471289e4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_5b807331-3eae-4313-869e-29c94c778c59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember_9b96b10e-3a21-4f10-a3ef-1dfd471289e4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_7d0aa7a2-7139-48dc-9178-22e9b14c8cac" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable_7b7a87f3-8109-4ec1-8112-f9d07f520859" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_7d0aa7a2-7139-48dc-9178-22e9b14c8cac" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_7d0aa7a2-7139-48dc-9178-22e9b14c8cac_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_7d0aa7a2-7139-48dc-9178-22e9b14c8cac" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_7d0aa7a2-7139-48dc-9178-22e9b14c8cac_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_3163df49-7d7b-40a4-936d-4338b38c7ede" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_7d0aa7a2-7139-48dc-9178-22e9b14c8cac" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_3163df49-7d7b-40a4-936d-4338b38c7ede" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_PaycheckProtectionProgramMember_2333e138-2881-4af5-b990-45af4eb138ef" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_PaycheckProtectionProgramMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_3163df49-7d7b-40a4-936d-4338b38c7ede" xlink:to="loc_asb_PaycheckProtectionProgramMember_2333e138-2881-4af5-b990-45af4eb138ef" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_AssetBasedLendingMember_e252f07b-53d8-41ba-8f07-06b83d5ba4ea" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_AssetBasedLendingMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_3163df49-7d7b-40a4-936d-4338b38c7ede" xlink:to="loc_asb_AssetBasedLendingMember_e252f07b-53d8-41ba-8f07-06b83d5ba4ea" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialAndIndustrialSectorMember_0946a940-86b7-4ace-85a6-86dc07c42341" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialAndIndustrialSectorMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_3163df49-7d7b-40a4-936d-4338b38c7ede" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialAndIndustrialSectorMember_0946a940-86b7-4ace-85a6-86dc07c42341" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedPortfolioMember_17485fbb-05d1-4bd3-a7ee-948512369626" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedPortfolioMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_3163df49-7d7b-40a4-936d-4338b38c7ede" xlink:to="loc_asb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedPortfolioMember_17485fbb-05d1-4bd3-a7ee-948512369626" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_CommercialAndBusinessLendingMember_eb04b513-7600-41e3-9062-e1f6086ed56a" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_CommercialAndBusinessLendingMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_3163df49-7d7b-40a4-936d-4338b38c7ede" xlink:to="loc_asb_CommercialAndBusinessLendingMember_eb04b513-7600-41e3-9062-e1f6086ed56a" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorPortfolioSegmentMember_9eb0e1e0-269b-45ad-97cb-96526ad37694" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_3163df49-7d7b-40a4-936d-4338b38c7ede" xlink:to="loc_asb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorPortfolioSegmentMember_9eb0e1e0-269b-45ad-97cb-96526ad37694" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_RealEstateConstructionMember_3edfe16d-259f-4a2e-b6d1-1eba67cf0f58" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_RealEstateConstructionMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_3163df49-7d7b-40a4-936d-4338b38c7ede" xlink:to="loc_asb_RealEstateConstructionMember_3edfe16d-259f-4a2e-b6d1-1eba67cf0f58" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember_c38c3369-1256-4b93-b3f7-d7f5a374014d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_3163df49-7d7b-40a4-936d-4338b38c7ede" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember_c38c3369-1256-4b93-b3f7-d7f5a374014d" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember_adf998e5-7c29-4886-a02f-f70951b89b94" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_3163df49-7d7b-40a4-936d-4338b38c7ede" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember_adf998e5-7c29-4886-a02f-f70951b89b94" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_AutoMember_11e63cd0-da04-4ad6-8355-1813e8d39214" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_AutoMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_3163df49-7d7b-40a4-936d-4338b38c7ede" xlink:to="loc_asb_AutoMember_11e63cd0-da04-4ad6-8355-1813e8d39214" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember_36fc0dc6-ab5e-4223-a2ae-f50779716a16" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_3163df49-7d7b-40a4-936d-4338b38c7ede" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember_36fc0dc6-ab5e-4223-a2ae-f50779716a16" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_OtherConsumerMember_f1bc7146-1733-4006-b1f3-6ff993e523e7" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_OtherConsumerMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_3163df49-7d7b-40a4-936d-4338b38c7ede" xlink:to="loc_asb_OtherConsumerMember_f1bc7146-1733-4006-b1f3-6ff993e523e7" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_53ad04f1-cf31-4ef4-9260-f07e85add88e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable_7b7a87f3-8109-4ec1-8112-f9d07f520859" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_53ad04f1-cf31-4ef4-9260-f07e85add88e" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_53ad04f1-cf31-4ef4-9260-f07e85add88e_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_53ad04f1-cf31-4ef4-9260-f07e85add88e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_53ad04f1-cf31-4ef4-9260-f07e85add88e_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_34a8e6e6-883e-4b93-9d0c-ac970a6d35ad" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis_53ad04f1-cf31-4ef4-9260-f07e85add88e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_34a8e6e6-883e-4b93-9d0c-ac970a6d35ad" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PassMember_e4a629aa-8f86-4209-9db4-f132a9bc75ed" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PassMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_34a8e6e6-883e-4b93-9d0c-ac970a6d35ad" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PassMember_e4a629aa-8f86-4209-9db4-f132a9bc75ed" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SpecialMentionMember_4cc45c9b-6e30-46af-ae17-14da57b2d969" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SpecialMentionMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_34a8e6e6-883e-4b93-9d0c-ac970a6d35ad" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SpecialMentionMember_4cc45c9b-6e30-46af-ae17-14da57b2d969" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_PotentialProblemMember_96a3f324-31b9-430c-b347-2c994230cd0e" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_PotentialProblemMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_34a8e6e6-883e-4b93-9d0c-ac970a6d35ad" xlink:to="loc_asb_PotentialProblemMember_96a3f324-31b9-430c-b347-2c994230cd0e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_NonaccrualLoanMember_8e3ab0ca-afbe-478e-b67b-6dc7f5d91f08" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_NonaccrualLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_34a8e6e6-883e-4b93-9d0c-ac970a6d35ad" xlink:to="loc_asb_NonaccrualLoanMember_8e3ab0ca-afbe-478e-b67b-6dc7f5d91f08" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/LoansPastDueStatusDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#LoansPastDueStatusDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/LoansPastDueStatusDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="if5dfe17dceac4561bea5a780c88cec7a_LoansPastDueStatusDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_11c69932-ffc8-4dc0-ac1c-324a3c5cd046" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_SummarizedDetailsOfLoansAbstract_bed8ece3-5dae-4beb-a98e-84e0cdc9e2ab" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_SummarizedDetailsOfLoansAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_11c69932-ffc8-4dc0-ac1c-324a3c5cd046" xlink:to="loc_asb_SummarizedDetailsOfLoansAbstract_bed8ece3-5dae-4beb-a98e-84e0cdc9e2ab" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_FinancingReceivableNotPastDueStatus_ad3eeac3-a008-437a-8c7e-9b6107b25d35" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_FinancingReceivableNotPastDueStatus"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_SummarizedDetailsOfLoansAbstract_bed8ece3-5dae-4beb-a98e-84e0cdc9e2ab" xlink:to="loc_asb_FinancingReceivableNotPastDueStatus_ad3eeac3-a008-437a-8c7e-9b6107b25d35" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_FinancingReceivablePastDueStatus_f676074b-c256-4e1e-89d5-4c5621630531" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_FinancingReceivablePastDueStatus"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_SummarizedDetailsOfLoansAbstract_bed8ece3-5dae-4beb-a98e-84e0cdc9e2ab" xlink:to="loc_asb_FinancingReceivablePastDueStatus_f676074b-c256-4e1e-89d5-4c5621630531" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus_404506a4-2d3f-498e-8d50-236d8d381707" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_SummarizedDetailsOfLoansAbstract_bed8ece3-5dae-4beb-a98e-84e0cdc9e2ab" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus_404506a4-2d3f-498e-8d50-236d8d381707" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetOfDeferredIncome_39174d4b-e71c-439f-b7c7-591ddd538332" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetOfDeferredIncome"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_SummarizedDetailsOfLoansAbstract_bed8ece3-5dae-4beb-a98e-84e0cdc9e2ab" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetOfDeferredIncome_39174d4b-e71c-439f-b7c7-591ddd538332" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_NonaccrualLoansCurrentPortion_0c804ea6-b430-4d4d-8d65-a4616cc25234" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_NonaccrualLoansCurrentPortion"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_SummarizedDetailsOfLoansAbstract_bed8ece3-5dae-4beb-a98e-84e0cdc9e2ab" xlink:to="loc_asb_NonaccrualLoansCurrentPortion_0c804ea6-b430-4d4d-8d65-a4616cc25234" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_PercentOfCurrentNonaccrualLoans_dea393c4-fd49-442d-9897-25701d06e0d8" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_PercentOfCurrentNonaccrualLoans"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_SummarizedDetailsOfLoansAbstract_bed8ece3-5dae-4beb-a98e-84e0cdc9e2ab" xlink:to="loc_asb_PercentOfCurrentNonaccrualLoans_dea393c4-fd49-442d-9897-25701d06e0d8" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualInterestIncome_62898b36-07ed-4371-b84f-1108ec52b678" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualInterestIncome"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_SummarizedDetailsOfLoansAbstract_bed8ece3-5dae-4beb-a98e-84e0cdc9e2ab" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualInterestIncome_62898b36-07ed-4371-b84f-1108ec52b678" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualNoAllowance_fae74179-bc38-42b9-a26a-6f972095c257" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualNoAllowance"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_SummarizedDetailsOfLoansAbstract_bed8ece3-5dae-4beb-a98e-84e0cdc9e2ab" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualNoAllowance_fae74179-bc38-42b9-a26a-6f972095c257" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable_b93509fe-f894-4f95-bf12-c0d33bf7294e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems_11c69932-ffc8-4dc0-ac1c-324a3c5cd046" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable_b93509fe-f894-4f95-bf12-c0d33bf7294e" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_dd62f62b-291e-4b64-b289-bf4ee71710c6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable_b93509fe-f894-4f95-bf12-c0d33bf7294e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_dd62f62b-291e-4b64-b289-bf4ee71710c6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_dd62f62b-291e-4b64-b289-bf4ee71710c6_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_dd62f62b-291e-4b64-b289-bf4ee71710c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_dd62f62b-291e-4b64-b289-bf4ee71710c6_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_e49b6829-0437-4d49-b272-8e1b1275b8b3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_dd62f62b-291e-4b64-b289-bf4ee71710c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_e49b6829-0437-4d49-b272-8e1b1275b8b3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_PaycheckProtectionProgramMember_633ebe2b-69c9-4734-bf45-d4204d21ed59" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_PaycheckProtectionProgramMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_e49b6829-0437-4d49-b272-8e1b1275b8b3" xlink:to="loc_asb_PaycheckProtectionProgramMember_633ebe2b-69c9-4734-bf45-d4204d21ed59" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_AssetBasedLendingMember_61821ceb-ad11-4db3-b080-cd765a39eb26" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_AssetBasedLendingMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_e49b6829-0437-4d49-b272-8e1b1275b8b3" xlink:to="loc_asb_AssetBasedLendingMember_61821ceb-ad11-4db3-b080-cd765a39eb26" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialAndIndustrialSectorMember_c4610864-dbb0-4eee-82cb-48a4a3b0a793" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialAndIndustrialSectorMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_e49b6829-0437-4d49-b272-8e1b1275b8b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialAndIndustrialSectorMember_c4610864-dbb0-4eee-82cb-48a4a3b0a793" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedPortfolioMember_2bdab154-bf80-4cd5-92a6-34f8968c6ad0" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedPortfolioMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_e49b6829-0437-4d49-b272-8e1b1275b8b3" xlink:to="loc_asb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedPortfolioMember_2bdab154-bf80-4cd5-92a6-34f8968c6ad0" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_CommercialAndBusinessLendingMember_9eeb0668-e262-4aa8-8143-a3aa5a6af13b" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_CommercialAndBusinessLendingMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_e49b6829-0437-4d49-b272-8e1b1275b8b3" xlink:to="loc_asb_CommercialAndBusinessLendingMember_9eeb0668-e262-4aa8-8143-a3aa5a6af13b" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorPortfolioSegmentMember_d556f5e7-8bd4-423d-ae01-497d181e216d" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_e49b6829-0437-4d49-b272-8e1b1275b8b3" xlink:to="loc_asb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorPortfolioSegmentMember_d556f5e7-8bd4-423d-ae01-497d181e216d" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConstructionLoansMember_30afefc7-afec-446e-bab9-3f3eb257cf91" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ConstructionLoansMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_e49b6829-0437-4d49-b272-8e1b1275b8b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConstructionLoansMember_30afefc7-afec-446e-bab9-3f3eb257cf91" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember_ed30cc29-afec-40ef-8661-d0e23e4c56ce" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_e49b6829-0437-4d49-b272-8e1b1275b8b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember_ed30cc29-afec-40ef-8661-d0e23e4c56ce" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_a73811a2-5b16-4b31-a2d1-d55a8d24c5ec" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_e49b6829-0437-4d49-b272-8e1b1275b8b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_a73811a2-5b16-4b31-a2d1-d55a8d24c5ec" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember_5c9f2132-1a42-4729-aa5c-d46a0cfc6380" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_e49b6829-0437-4d49-b272-8e1b1275b8b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember_5c9f2132-1a42-4729-aa5c-d46a0cfc6380" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_AutoMember_3c7d5947-c0b4-415f-8818-7a71da84174d" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_AutoMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_e49b6829-0437-4d49-b272-8e1b1275b8b3" xlink:to="loc_asb_AutoMember_3c7d5947-c0b4-415f-8818-7a71da84174d" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityMember_076cbf6f-ef26-4cd6-9ce6-5362d81949a3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HomeEquityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_e49b6829-0437-4d49-b272-8e1b1275b8b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityMember_076cbf6f-ef26-4cd6-9ce6-5362d81949a3" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_OtherConsumerMember_6c17211b-55bd-48f0-b97b-44585612082f" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_OtherConsumerMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_e49b6829-0437-4d49-b272-8e1b1275b8b3" xlink:to="loc_asb_OtherConsumerMember_6c17211b-55bd-48f0-b97b-44585612082f" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember_57902acb-854c-496b-8ad0-dd9ba363dcfc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_e49b6829-0437-4d49-b272-8e1b1275b8b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember_57902acb-854c-496b-8ad0-dd9ba363dcfc" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis_b9f2c9fa-3389-4a88-aeec-33ebc74ff893" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable_b93509fe-f894-4f95-bf12-c0d33bf7294e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis_b9f2c9fa-3389-4a88-aeec-33ebc74ff893" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_b9f2c9fa-3389-4a88-aeec-33ebc74ff893_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis_b9f2c9fa-3389-4a88-aeec-33ebc74ff893" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_b9f2c9fa-3389-4a88-aeec-33ebc74ff893_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_6548886b-fc2a-4ec9-93bb-5065b0496305" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis_b9f2c9fa-3389-4a88-aeec-33ebc74ff893" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_6548886b-fc2a-4ec9-93bb-5065b0496305" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables30To59DaysPastDueMember_f5a76ba7-1913-40f7-8b03-b479bff10351" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivables30To59DaysPastDueMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_6548886b-fc2a-4ec9-93bb-5065b0496305" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables30To59DaysPastDueMember_f5a76ba7-1913-40f7-8b03-b479bff10351" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables60To89DaysPastDueMember_8c432898-5d94-43c5-9d35-8fd7f95b005a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivables60To89DaysPastDueMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_6548886b-fc2a-4ec9-93bb-5065b0496305" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivables60To89DaysPastDueMember_8c432898-5d94-43c5-9d35-8fd7f95b005a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDueMember_d5ac78c7-6e0b-4f7a-9f88-32a38e2e962f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDueMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_6548886b-fc2a-4ec9-93bb-5065b0496305" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDueMember_d5ac78c7-6e0b-4f7a-9f88-32a38e2e962f" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/LoansTroubledDebtRestructuringsPerformingandNonaccrualDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#LoansTroubledDebtRestructuringsPerformingandNonaccrualDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/LoansTroubledDebtRestructuringsPerformingandNonaccrualDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i7f2c0c152108479ab1d926c9a9244491_LoansTroubledDebtRestructuringsPerformingandNonaccrualDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItems_e3ca3a4e-ccf0-4ed7-938f-10398bce8eeb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_PerformingRestructuredLoans_0110d4a5-a7b2-480d-8070-730fb47ac9cc" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_PerformingRestructuredLoans"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItems_e3ca3a4e-ccf0-4ed7-938f-10398bce8eeb" xlink:to="loc_asb_PerformingRestructuredLoans_0110d4a5-a7b2-480d-8070-730fb47ac9cc" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_NonaccrualRestructuredLoans_cf9e527e-6b7d-406f-8d33-89b33cb75d78" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_NonaccrualRestructuredLoans"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItems_e3ca3a4e-ccf0-4ed7-938f-10398bce8eeb" xlink:to="loc_asb_NonaccrualRestructuredLoans_cf9e527e-6b7d-406f-8d33-89b33cb75d78" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfImpairedFinancingReceivableTable_cb42dedd-e316-4f44-a4d0-a8a4dd9b5266" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfImpairedFinancingReceivableTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableImpairedLineItems_e3ca3a4e-ccf0-4ed7-938f-10398bce8eeb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfImpairedFinancingReceivableTable_cb42dedd-e316-4f44-a4d0-a8a4dd9b5266" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_FinancingReceivableRestructuringsAxis_7d5c3598-7e1b-470d-a274-e1b08171cdf2" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_FinancingReceivableRestructuringsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfImpairedFinancingReceivableTable_cb42dedd-e316-4f44-a4d0-a8a4dd9b5266" xlink:to="loc_asb_FinancingReceivableRestructuringsAxis_7d5c3598-7e1b-470d-a274-e1b08171cdf2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_FinancingReceivableRestructuringsDomain_7d5c3598-7e1b-470d-a274-e1b08171cdf2_default" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_FinancingReceivableRestructuringsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_asb_FinancingReceivableRestructuringsAxis_7d5c3598-7e1b-470d-a274-e1b08171cdf2" xlink:to="loc_asb_FinancingReceivableRestructuringsDomain_7d5c3598-7e1b-470d-a274-e1b08171cdf2_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_FinancingReceivableRestructuringsDomain_1720afde-62aa-48f6-bef1-0fb9f5d13e9c" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_FinancingReceivableRestructuringsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_asb_FinancingReceivableRestructuringsAxis_7d5c3598-7e1b-470d-a274-e1b08171cdf2" xlink:to="loc_asb_FinancingReceivableRestructuringsDomain_1720afde-62aa-48f6-bef1-0fb9f5d13e9c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_PaycheckProtectionProgramMember_0107b8d5-3401-4fe6-9270-3943ead6a5b3" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_PaycheckProtectionProgramMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_FinancingReceivableRestructuringsDomain_1720afde-62aa-48f6-bef1-0fb9f5d13e9c" xlink:to="loc_asb_PaycheckProtectionProgramMember_0107b8d5-3401-4fe6-9270-3943ead6a5b3" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_AssetBasedLendingMember_927a6f35-5790-42cf-8673-7fb1e3d74631" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_AssetBasedLendingMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_FinancingReceivableRestructuringsDomain_1720afde-62aa-48f6-bef1-0fb9f5d13e9c" xlink:to="loc_asb_AssetBasedLendingMember_927a6f35-5790-42cf-8673-7fb1e3d74631" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialAndIndustrialSectorMember_609b6a36-486e-48f8-8133-5146f8c52ba6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialAndIndustrialSectorMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_FinancingReceivableRestructuringsDomain_1720afde-62aa-48f6-bef1-0fb9f5d13e9c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialAndIndustrialSectorMember_609b6a36-486e-48f8-8133-5146f8c52ba6" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedPortfolioMember_2c4a8381-b71d-434e-9333-87fb92a1af2e" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedPortfolioMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_FinancingReceivableRestructuringsDomain_1720afde-62aa-48f6-bef1-0fb9f5d13e9c" xlink:to="loc_asb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedPortfolioMember_2c4a8381-b71d-434e-9333-87fb92a1af2e" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorPortfolioSegmentMember_0fe23f84-0f9b-4b15-88cd-6c48aa1bce6e" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_FinancingReceivableRestructuringsDomain_1720afde-62aa-48f6-bef1-0fb9f5d13e9c" xlink:to="loc_asb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorPortfolioSegmentMember_0fe23f84-0f9b-4b15-88cd-6c48aa1bce6e" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConstructionLoansMember_487a6e0a-2390-4aa0-b3f9-603eaeaeaf89" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ConstructionLoansMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_FinancingReceivableRestructuringsDomain_1720afde-62aa-48f6-bef1-0fb9f5d13e9c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConstructionLoansMember_487a6e0a-2390-4aa0-b3f9-603eaeaeaf89" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember_3d863d1e-7bda-41f0-9e99-2a11014c0dc3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_FinancingReceivableRestructuringsDomain_1720afde-62aa-48f6-bef1-0fb9f5d13e9c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember_3d863d1e-7bda-41f0-9e99-2a11014c0dc3" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_AutoMember_6daceb14-0237-40f1-9b56-05d32c34e224" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_AutoMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_FinancingReceivableRestructuringsDomain_1720afde-62aa-48f6-bef1-0fb9f5d13e9c" xlink:to="loc_asb_AutoMember_6daceb14-0237-40f1-9b56-05d32c34e224" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityMember_98d35484-f95d-4917-91f6-3d39b8a1398c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HomeEquityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_FinancingReceivableRestructuringsDomain_1720afde-62aa-48f6-bef1-0fb9f5d13e9c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityMember_98d35484-f95d-4917-91f6-3d39b8a1398c" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_OtherConsumerMember_f68e3c17-4c69-456f-b5c1-2d357190bd66" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_OtherConsumerMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_FinancingReceivableRestructuringsDomain_1720afde-62aa-48f6-bef1-0fb9f5d13e9c" xlink:to="loc_asb_OtherConsumerMember_f68e3c17-4c69-456f-b5c1-2d357190bd66" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/LoansLoansModifiedinaTroubledDebtRestructuringDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#LoansLoansModifiedinaTroubledDebtRestructuringDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/LoansLoansModifiedinaTroubledDebtRestructuringDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="ie75ed8a023584c7b9f8db2f1a86661cf_LoansLoansModifiedinaTroubledDebtRestructuringDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems_5d3ef1fa-d828-496f-81e0-3ae4cb94a2d0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsNumberOfContracts2_5f050999-4882-4827-8030-6d85b41f4120" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsNumberOfContracts2"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems_5d3ef1fa-d828-496f-81e0-3ae4cb94a2d0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsNumberOfContracts2_5f050999-4882-4827-8030-6d85b41f4120" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsPostModificationRecordedInvestment2_5a1dbf3f-9a88-4ad7-9701-3bc55c1c85c5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsPostModificationRecordedInvestment2"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems_5d3ef1fa-d828-496f-81e0-3ae4cb94a2d0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsPostModificationRecordedInvestment2_5a1dbf3f-9a88-4ad7-9701-3bc55c1c85c5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsPreModificationRecordedInvestment2_4621d056-86bd-412d-bdda-da30440db61f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsPreModificationRecordedInvestment2"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems_5d3ef1fa-d828-496f-81e0-3ae4cb94a2d0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsPreModificationRecordedInvestment2_4621d056-86bd-412d-bdda-da30440db61f" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringTable_6537f9cf-072c-499c-a11a-8ac7e55be834" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems_5d3ef1fa-d828-496f-81e0-3ae4cb94a2d0" xlink:to="loc_asb_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringTable_6537f9cf-072c-499c-a11a-8ac7e55be834" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerAxis_4f7505e5-f9fa-43da-9a47-16739645954c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringTable_6537f9cf-072c-499c-a11a-8ac7e55be834" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerAxis_4f7505e5-f9fa-43da-9a47-16739645954c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerDomain_4f7505e5-f9fa-43da-9a47-16739645954c_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerAxis_4f7505e5-f9fa-43da-9a47-16739645954c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerDomain_4f7505e5-f9fa-43da-9a47-16739645954c_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerDomain_e715f2cb-90ab-4227-981f-4e61be0a69df" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerAxis_4f7505e5-f9fa-43da-9a47-16739645954c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerDomain_e715f2cb-90ab-4227-981f-4e61be0a69df" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_PaycheckProtectionProgramMember_527602fa-47f3-4bcc-9eed-fc5cfcc27ad5" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_PaycheckProtectionProgramMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerDomain_e715f2cb-90ab-4227-981f-4e61be0a69df" xlink:to="loc_asb_PaycheckProtectionProgramMember_527602fa-47f3-4bcc-9eed-fc5cfcc27ad5" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialAndIndustrialSectorMember_669ce907-c7eb-46a3-b3f4-aaf8beef08d3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialAndIndustrialSectorMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerDomain_e715f2cb-90ab-4227-981f-4e61be0a69df" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialAndIndustrialSectorMember_669ce907-c7eb-46a3-b3f4-aaf8beef08d3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedPortfolioMember_655e8b5a-9b4c-4047-a7b0-cff20754cfda" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedPortfolioMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerDomain_e715f2cb-90ab-4227-981f-4e61be0a69df" xlink:to="loc_asb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedPortfolioMember_655e8b5a-9b4c-4047-a7b0-cff20754cfda" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorPortfolioSegmentMember_d6c5eeb5-b091-47a5-857b-f3f6dbfde4d8" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerDomain_e715f2cb-90ab-4227-981f-4e61be0a69df" xlink:to="loc_asb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorPortfolioSegmentMember_d6c5eeb5-b091-47a5-857b-f3f6dbfde4d8" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConstructionLoansMember_ce093f17-a832-4b16-bbfe-b468403b8099" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ConstructionLoansMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerDomain_e715f2cb-90ab-4227-981f-4e61be0a69df" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConstructionLoansMember_ce093f17-a832-4b16-bbfe-b468403b8099" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember_3cfe2350-9f13-41ab-baea-62ff73b7ed91" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerDomain_e715f2cb-90ab-4227-981f-4e61be0a69df" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember_3cfe2350-9f13-41ab-baea-62ff73b7ed91" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_AutoMember_0839d4e4-9836-4aad-9046-181994c74a84" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_AutoMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerDomain_e715f2cb-90ab-4227-981f-4e61be0a69df" xlink:to="loc_asb_AutoMember_0839d4e4-9836-4aad-9046-181994c74a84" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityMember_b253a880-a0bf-4036-8473-8379fd310c35" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HomeEquityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerDomain_e715f2cb-90ab-4227-981f-4e61be0a69df" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityMember_b253a880-a0bf-4036-8473-8379fd310c35" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_OtherConsumerMember_99835d03-9ea0-4843-bfa3-6ff67a18dab7" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_OtherConsumerMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerDomain_e715f2cb-90ab-4227-981f-4e61be0a69df" xlink:to="loc_asb_OtherConsumerMember_99835d03-9ea0-4843-bfa3-6ff67a18dab7" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/LoansTroubledDebtRestructuringsSubsequentDefaultDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#LoansTroubledDebtRestructuringsSubsequentDefaultDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/LoansTroubledDebtRestructuringsSubsequentDefaultDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i8492d38ea806417385ecd6d721977843_LoansTroubledDebtRestructuringsSubsequentDefaultDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems_72133bf7-bbb3-4386-b79f-a99ba8020a68" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsSubsequentDefaultNumberOfContracts1_499f0ab0-6add-4a46-b799-6e91785fd771" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsSubsequentDefaultNumberOfContracts1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems_72133bf7-bbb3-4386-b79f-a99ba8020a68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsSubsequentDefaultNumberOfContracts1_499f0ab0-6add-4a46-b799-6e91785fd771" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsSubsequentDefaultRecordedInvestment1_dd72c4e7-7530-47df-93d4-8d49837e65c9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsSubsequentDefaultRecordedInvestment1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems_72133bf7-bbb3-4386-b79f-a99ba8020a68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsSubsequentDefaultRecordedInvestment1_dd72c4e7-7530-47df-93d4-8d49837e65c9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_RestructuredLoansSubsequentDefaultTable_a11859cb-7cf6-4091-a275-7af3d001273b" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_RestructuredLoansSubsequentDefaultTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems_72133bf7-bbb3-4386-b79f-a99ba8020a68" xlink:to="loc_asb_RestructuredLoansSubsequentDefaultTable_a11859cb-7cf6-4091-a275-7af3d001273b" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerAxis_6255bc89-8a5c-46ba-9e47-ff8363d2b66e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_asb_RestructuredLoansSubsequentDefaultTable_a11859cb-7cf6-4091-a275-7af3d001273b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerAxis_6255bc89-8a5c-46ba-9e47-ff8363d2b66e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerDomain_6255bc89-8a5c-46ba-9e47-ff8363d2b66e_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerAxis_6255bc89-8a5c-46ba-9e47-ff8363d2b66e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerDomain_6255bc89-8a5c-46ba-9e47-ff8363d2b66e_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerDomain_a2a310bd-38d4-4105-a94c-0e5d4f7ecfb8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerAxis_6255bc89-8a5c-46ba-9e47-ff8363d2b66e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerDomain_a2a310bd-38d4-4105-a94c-0e5d4f7ecfb8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_PaycheckProtectionProgramMember_b5aa436d-e7b0-4fdd-8e2a-1fd60fac46e1" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_PaycheckProtectionProgramMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerDomain_a2a310bd-38d4-4105-a94c-0e5d4f7ecfb8" xlink:to="loc_asb_PaycheckProtectionProgramMember_b5aa436d-e7b0-4fdd-8e2a-1fd60fac46e1" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_8ffdb3ee-6f3a-4226-a4fc-b608e9871b49" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerDomain_a2a310bd-38d4-4105-a94c-0e5d4f7ecfb8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_8ffdb3ee-6f3a-4226-a4fc-b608e9871b49" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedPortfolioMember_fad3129b-2e4f-4876-ac58-2e9b63af3526" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedPortfolioMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerDomain_a2a310bd-38d4-4105-a94c-0e5d4f7ecfb8" xlink:to="loc_asb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedPortfolioMember_fad3129b-2e4f-4876-ac58-2e9b63af3526" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorPortfolioSegmentMember_94deda93-8d17-4523-b672-44504334ee82" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerDomain_a2a310bd-38d4-4105-a94c-0e5d4f7ecfb8" xlink:to="loc_asb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorPortfolioSegmentMember_94deda93-8d17-4523-b672-44504334ee82" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_RealEstateConstructionMember_08db00aa-e629-42fb-9865-0d8f01b078aa" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_RealEstateConstructionMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerDomain_a2a310bd-38d4-4105-a94c-0e5d4f7ecfb8" xlink:to="loc_asb_RealEstateConstructionMember_08db00aa-e629-42fb-9865-0d8f01b078aa" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember_3bbb6e88-aead-4aa8-9123-728fcd5361da" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerDomain_a2a310bd-38d4-4105-a94c-0e5d4f7ecfb8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember_3bbb6e88-aead-4aa8-9123-728fcd5361da" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityMember_5323b12d-1cd2-42b1-bf4b-1d7da714417b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HomeEquityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerDomain_a2a310bd-38d4-4105-a94c-0e5d4f7ecfb8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityMember_5323b12d-1cd2-42b1-bf4b-1d7da714417b" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_OtherConsumerMember_a29cae61-5775-43cb-ac6d-e6d251334042" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_OtherConsumerMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfFinancingReceivableTypeOfBorrowerDomain_a2a310bd-38d4-4105-a94c-0e5d4f7ecfb8" xlink:to="loc_asb_OtherConsumerMember_a29cae61-5775-43cb-ac6d-e6d251334042" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/LoansChangesintheAllowanceforLoanLossesbyPortfolioSegmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#LoansChangesintheAllowanceforLoanLossesbyPortfolioSegmentDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/LoansChangesintheAllowanceforLoanLossesbyPortfolioSegmentDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i2d4db2e9b53242008ebf50cb78a43cca_LoansChangesintheAllowanceforLoanLossesbyPortfolioSegmentDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_21f08e77-46d8-498a-8a85-b9bf7c463d4b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward_3aee50b9-bcef-434f-a058-1dc1da33eef0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_21f08e77-46d8-498a-8a85-b9bf7c463d4b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward_3aee50b9-bcef-434f-a058-1dc1da33eef0" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses_7917b9d1-4381-40dd-944b-f69090c5d19e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward_3aee50b9-bcef-434f-a058-1dc1da33eef0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses_7917b9d1-4381-40dd-944b-f69090c5d19e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesWriteOffs_e9b73550-69f4-4075-ba6e-0bcd2f4b90da" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesWriteOffs"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward_3aee50b9-bcef-434f-a058-1dc1da33eef0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesWriteOffs_e9b73550-69f4-4075-ba6e-0bcd2f4b90da" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRecovery_c72b0481-bfcc-4a3a-8110-103116c35888" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRecovery"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward_3aee50b9-bcef-434f-a058-1dc1da33eef0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRecovery_c72b0481-bfcc-4a3a-8110-103116c35888" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossNetRecoveryLoss_8401be20-60f2-429a-9fa0-fd47aeb6862e" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossNetRecoveryLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward_3aee50b9-bcef-434f-a058-1dc1da33eef0" xlink:to="loc_asb_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossNetRecoveryLoss_8401be20-60f2-429a-9fa0-fd47aeb6862e" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesPeriodIncreaseDecrease_f0a14b0d-b2b7-4106-8579-1184593d193e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesPeriodIncreaseDecrease"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward_3aee50b9-bcef-434f-a058-1dc1da33eef0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesPeriodIncreaseDecrease_f0a14b0d-b2b7-4106-8579-1184593d193e" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses_8d267bfc-def2-4572-bc94-220ce7f64cc0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiabilityRollforward_fa168c2e-35d8-4311-81a8-be772b803822" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiabilityRollforward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_21f08e77-46d8-498a-8a85-b9bf7c463d4b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiabilityRollforward_fa168c2e-35d8-4311-81a8-be772b803822" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiability_5a9b5538-0c98-431f-a133-82a7add44e30" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiability"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiabilityRollforward_fa168c2e-35d8-4311-81a8-be772b803822" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiability_5a9b5538-0c98-431f-a133-82a7add44e30" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiabilityCreditLossExpenseReversal_d846cbaa-3638-4b35-b63b-15ec9f24451b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiabilityCreditLossExpenseReversal"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiabilityRollforward_fa168c2e-35d8-4311-81a8-be772b803822" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiabilityCreditLossExpenseReversal_d846cbaa-3638-4b35-b63b-15ec9f24451b" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiability_693443d4-50e0-4709-8868-3665df281454" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiability"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_AllowanceForCreditLossesOnLoansAbstract_d746af26-9f22-4bc3-a58b-8ab2bbe3bf13" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_AllowanceForCreditLossesOnLoansAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_21f08e77-46d8-498a-8a85-b9bf7c463d4b" xlink:to="loc_asb_AllowanceForCreditLossesOnLoansAbstract_d746af26-9f22-4bc3-a58b-8ab2bbe3bf13" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_AllowanceForCreditLossesOnLoans_741bc744-c597-45b1-9e4b-2dd077c0cdd7" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_AllowanceForCreditLossesOnLoans"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_AllowanceForCreditLossesOnLoansAbstract_d746af26-9f22-4bc3-a58b-8ab2bbe3bf13" xlink:to="loc_asb_AllowanceForCreditLossesOnLoans_741bc744-c597-45b1-9e4b-2dd077c0cdd7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesWriteOffs_66749553-a4ac-4ce0-832d-11b2f7a9bbe9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesWriteOffs"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRecovery_f37952ed-f2f2-4952-acd3-a292b90b3920" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRecovery"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossNetRecoveryLoss_8fb420e5-b57f-4a20-9406-54939e9881ae" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossNetRecoveryLoss"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLosses_7d755550-0706-4411-ab7b-809b2e235e3b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLosses"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_AllowanceForCreditLossesOnLoansAbstract_d746af26-9f22-4bc3-a58b-8ab2bbe3bf13" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLosses_7d755550-0706-4411-ab7b-809b2e235e3b" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_AllowanceForCreditLossesOnLoans_d481684c-dc6b-435c-8c61-d39beab76882" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_AllowanceForCreditLossesOnLoans"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_PercentofLoans_92c6af28-175f-4271-a5b9-efcb61257f82" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_PercentofLoans"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_21f08e77-46d8-498a-8a85-b9bf7c463d4b" xlink:to="loc_asb_PercentofLoans_92c6af28-175f-4271-a5b9-efcb61257f82" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable_dcfc0b79-dc3e-42d4-9afc-87448d4d7612" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_21f08e77-46d8-498a-8a85-b9bf7c463d4b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable_dcfc0b79-dc3e-42d4-9afc-87448d4d7612" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_AllowanceTypeAxis_3a9959d6-33b8-4480-bdb9-272b1a089751" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_AllowanceTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable_dcfc0b79-dc3e-42d4-9afc-87448d4d7612" xlink:to="loc_asb_AllowanceTypeAxis_3a9959d6-33b8-4480-bdb9-272b1a089751" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_AllowanceTypeDomain_3a9959d6-33b8-4480-bdb9-272b1a089751_default" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_AllowanceTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_asb_AllowanceTypeAxis_3a9959d6-33b8-4480-bdb9-272b1a089751" xlink:to="loc_asb_AllowanceTypeDomain_3a9959d6-33b8-4480-bdb9-272b1a089751_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_AllowanceTypeDomain_d1443997-95aa-4bfa-8d10-fdfcab70ce14" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_AllowanceTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_asb_AllowanceTypeAxis_3a9959d6-33b8-4480-bdb9-272b1a089751" xlink:to="loc_asb_AllowanceTypeDomain_d1443997-95aa-4bfa-8d10-fdfcab70ce14" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_AllowanceForLoanLossesMember_3741c50a-1bb1-4491-a152-b552aaa15157" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_AllowanceForLoanLossesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_AllowanceTypeDomain_d1443997-95aa-4bfa-8d10-fdfcab70ce14" xlink:to="loc_asb_AllowanceForLoanLossesMember_3741c50a-1bb1-4491-a152-b552aaa15157" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReserveForOffBalanceSheetActivitiesMember_a5f8a9bc-ed07-4314-84b5-fdb6c0572abe" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ReserveForOffBalanceSheetActivitiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_AllowanceTypeDomain_d1443997-95aa-4bfa-8d10-fdfcab70ce14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReserveForOffBalanceSheetActivitiesMember_a5f8a9bc-ed07-4314-84b5-fdb6c0572abe" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_AllowanceForLoansLossesAndUnfundedCommitmentsMember_5f610c19-dff8-4012-9371-98e8eaff487f" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_AllowanceForLoansLossesAndUnfundedCommitmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_AllowanceTypeDomain_d1443997-95aa-4bfa-8d10-fdfcab70ce14" xlink:to="loc_asb_AllowanceForLoansLossesAndUnfundedCommitmentsMember_5f610c19-dff8-4012-9371-98e8eaff487f" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_3421892e-b73c-49d8-9036-5519f375e0fe" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable_dcfc0b79-dc3e-42d4-9afc-87448d4d7612" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_3421892e-b73c-49d8-9036-5519f375e0fe" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_3421892e-b73c-49d8-9036-5519f375e0fe_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_3421892e-b73c-49d8-9036-5519f375e0fe" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_3421892e-b73c-49d8-9036-5519f375e0fe_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_b2a1acda-65e0-4f89-9b6b-6a363a19c6d4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_3421892e-b73c-49d8-9036-5519f375e0fe" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_b2a1acda-65e0-4f89-9b6b-6a363a19c6d4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_PaycheckProtectionProgramMember_b7670bce-b3b1-49e4-abd8-14dc865e5fe3" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_PaycheckProtectionProgramMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_b2a1acda-65e0-4f89-9b6b-6a363a19c6d4" xlink:to="loc_asb_PaycheckProtectionProgramMember_b7670bce-b3b1-49e4-abd8-14dc865e5fe3" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_AssetBasedLendingMember_a8c51f0e-e2d2-4ecb-a26c-246544d6b8e2" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_AssetBasedLendingMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_b2a1acda-65e0-4f89-9b6b-6a363a19c6d4" xlink:to="loc_asb_AssetBasedLendingMember_a8c51f0e-e2d2-4ecb-a26c-246544d6b8e2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialAndIndustrialSectorMember_ba6e969d-92b8-4993-9bad-7e525095b200" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialAndIndustrialSectorMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_b2a1acda-65e0-4f89-9b6b-6a363a19c6d4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialAndIndustrialSectorMember_ba6e969d-92b8-4993-9bad-7e525095b200" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedPortfolioMember_1ffff9ed-ef0d-47e7-91ea-2bdeef26f681" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedPortfolioMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_b2a1acda-65e0-4f89-9b6b-6a363a19c6d4" xlink:to="loc_asb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedPortfolioMember_1ffff9ed-ef0d-47e7-91ea-2bdeef26f681" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_CommercialAndBusinessLendingMember_af755e6c-db9c-4f60-9e61-dcc7a4faefcb" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_CommercialAndBusinessLendingMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_b2a1acda-65e0-4f89-9b6b-6a363a19c6d4" xlink:to="loc_asb_CommercialAndBusinessLendingMember_af755e6c-db9c-4f60-9e61-dcc7a4faefcb" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorPortfolioSegmentMember_1ebcf49e-d298-425a-9a06-5cb404e99d4c" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_b2a1acda-65e0-4f89-9b6b-6a363a19c6d4" xlink:to="loc_asb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorPortfolioSegmentMember_1ebcf49e-d298-425a-9a06-5cb404e99d4c" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConstructionLoansMember_26ae452b-af46-4b73-94fe-fb13e462dfcd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ConstructionLoansMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_b2a1acda-65e0-4f89-9b6b-6a363a19c6d4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConstructionLoansMember_26ae452b-af46-4b73-94fe-fb13e462dfcd" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember_a6462661-aa78-4eea-9dd8-141b2a3656f8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_b2a1acda-65e0-4f89-9b6b-6a363a19c6d4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialRealEstatePortfolioSegmentMember_a6462661-aa78-4eea-9dd8-141b2a3656f8" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_784aaa3d-50eb-4b58-a616-262abce863f4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_b2a1acda-65e0-4f89-9b6b-6a363a19c6d4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember_784aaa3d-50eb-4b58-a616-262abce863f4" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember_867125eb-fbb2-44d6-9fad-f1d128c19889" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_b2a1acda-65e0-4f89-9b6b-6a363a19c6d4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialPortfolioSegmentMember_867125eb-fbb2-44d6-9fad-f1d128c19889" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_AutoMember_53503ab5-7cef-4b92-a433-0b195ce51a36" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_AutoMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_b2a1acda-65e0-4f89-9b6b-6a363a19c6d4" xlink:to="loc_asb_AutoMember_53503ab5-7cef-4b92-a433-0b195ce51a36" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityMember_b814022a-0f5e-4fb1-8537-332d31f3ff21" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HomeEquityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_b2a1acda-65e0-4f89-9b6b-6a363a19c6d4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HomeEquityMember_b814022a-0f5e-4fb1-8537-332d31f3ff21" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_InstallmentPortFolioSegmentMember_af9a671f-6e7b-44dc-9488-9682d13ba711" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_InstallmentPortFolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_b2a1acda-65e0-4f89-9b6b-6a363a19c6d4" xlink:to="loc_asb_InstallmentPortFolioSegmentMember_af9a671f-6e7b-44dc-9488-9682d13ba711" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_InstallmentAndCreditCardsPortfolioSegmentExcludingAutoMember_42867ad7-da14-474b-b835-e4dc166dafc6" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_InstallmentAndCreditCardsPortfolioSegmentExcludingAutoMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_b2a1acda-65e0-4f89-9b6b-6a363a19c6d4" xlink:to="loc_asb_InstallmentAndCreditCardsPortfolioSegmentExcludingAutoMember_42867ad7-da14-474b-b835-e4dc166dafc6" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember_70c99cf8-6aa4-4562-93f7-316edd9693cf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_b2a1acda-65e0-4f89-9b6b-6a363a19c6d4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember_70c99cf8-6aa4-4562-93f7-316edd9693cf" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/LoansNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#LoansNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/LoansNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="ifbdde7cebd984a57892b891fe74fb22d_LoansNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_LoansInformationLineItems_28ecf650-be8a-43a0-a0ce-62101a6a7e9a" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_LoansInformationLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestReceivable_a33d0036-bc95-4be0-9e5e-efb896075235" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestReceivable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_LoansInformationLineItems_28ecf650-be8a-43a0-a0ce-62101a6a7e9a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestReceivable_a33d0036-bc95-4be0-9e5e-efb896075235" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualInterestIncomeString_9b0535d6-6e47-47e3-9d6e-c38f2fcba972" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualInterestIncomeString"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_LoansInformationLineItems_28ecf650-be8a-43a0-a0ce-62101a6a7e9a" xlink:to="loc_asb_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualInterestIncomeString_9b0535d6-6e47-47e3-9d6e-c38f2fcba972" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_NonaccrualLoansCurrentPortion_c2e64462-741a-4f10-b1fe-5f2eb0f9bb85" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_NonaccrualLoansCurrentPortion"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_LoansInformationLineItems_28ecf650-be8a-43a0-a0ce-62101a6a7e9a" xlink:to="loc_asb_NonaccrualLoansCurrentPortion_c2e64462-741a-4f10-b1fe-5f2eb0f9bb85" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_PercentOfCurrentNonaccrualLoans_a0ae437e-d923-4ee2-9cbb-c73ddceb79c9" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_PercentOfCurrentNonaccrualLoans"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_LoansInformationLineItems_28ecf650-be8a-43a0-a0ce-62101a6a7e9a" xlink:to="loc_asb_PercentOfCurrentNonaccrualLoans_a0ae437e-d923-4ee2-9cbb-c73ddceb79c9" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualInterestIncome_83f6fab7-c9c5-479b-9a2b-2601c8cec44e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualInterestIncome"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_LoansInformationLineItems_28ecf650-be8a-43a0-a0ce-62101a6a7e9a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualInterestIncome_83f6fab7-c9c5-479b-9a2b-2601c8cec44e" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualNoAllowance_188a36ec-17cb-448b-b0ae-ad38e3b4059e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualNoAllowance"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_LoansInformationLineItems_28ecf650-be8a-43a0-a0ce-62101a6a7e9a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualNoAllowance_188a36ec-17cb-448b-b0ae-ad38e3b4059e" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsPostModificationRecordedInvestment2_6c34e7b7-feaa-4345-9274-68f71def5847" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsPostModificationRecordedInvestment2"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_LoansInformationLineItems_28ecf650-be8a-43a0-a0ce-62101a6a7e9a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsPostModificationRecordedInvestment2_6c34e7b7-feaa-4345-9274-68f71def5847" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_RestructuredLoansSubsequentlyAccruing_5b0d68da-6f19-471e-baca-cf786d9b838c" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_RestructuredLoansSubsequentlyAccruing"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_LoansInformationLineItems_28ecf650-be8a-43a0-a0ce-62101a6a7e9a" xlink:to="loc_asb_RestructuredLoansSubsequentlyAccruing_5b0d68da-6f19-471e-baca-cf786d9b838c" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_YtdRestructuredLoansStillOnNonaccrual_5594536f-e29d-4d9d-9dda-2e69acc5e64e" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_YtdRestructuredLoansStillOnNonaccrual"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_LoansInformationLineItems_28ecf650-be8a-43a0-a0ce-62101a6a7e9a" xlink:to="loc_asb_YtdRestructuredLoansStillOnNonaccrual_5594536f-e29d-4d9d-9dda-2e69acc5e64e" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestment_314fef29-fe7c-4c75-9a8d-6dd371a82be1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestment"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_LoansInformationLineItems_28ecf650-be8a-43a0-a0ce-62101a6a7e9a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestment_314fef29-fe7c-4c75-9a8d-6dd371a82be1" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_LoansInformationTable_c223e02c-ea5a-433d-abef-dab5d2c5771f" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_LoansInformationTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_asb_LoansInformationLineItems_28ecf650-be8a-43a0-a0ce-62101a6a7e9a" xlink:to="loc_asb_LoansInformationTable_c223e02c-ea5a-433d-abef-dab5d2c5771f" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_e69da0d2-919f-4773-bda2-5901c9911f9d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_asb_LoansInformationTable_c223e02c-ea5a-433d-abef-dab5d2c5771f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_e69da0d2-919f-4773-bda2-5901c9911f9d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_e69da0d2-919f-4773-bda2-5901c9911f9d_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_e69da0d2-919f-4773-bda2-5901c9911f9d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_e69da0d2-919f-4773-bda2-5901c9911f9d_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_f1f78127-0113-465c-92a7-0bec4dd61637" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_e69da0d2-919f-4773-bda2-5901c9911f9d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_f1f78127-0113-465c-92a7-0bec4dd61637" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_PossibleLiquidityIssuesMember_4e860273-b68a-4f68-bbd8-c542b088331e" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_PossibleLiquidityIssuesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_f1f78127-0113-465c-92a7-0bec4dd61637" xlink:to="loc_asb_PossibleLiquidityIssuesMember_4e860273-b68a-4f68-bbd8-c542b088331e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndFinanceReceivablesMember_04c3b35b-811f-41a2-b620-bed7373fa4ea" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndFinanceReceivablesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_f1f78127-0113-465c-92a7-0bec4dd61637" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndFinanceReceivablesMember_04c3b35b-811f-41a2-b620-bed7373fa4ea" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/GoodwillandOtherIntangibleAssetsSummaryofCoreDepositandOtherIntangiblesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#GoodwillandOtherIntangibleAssetsSummaryofCoreDepositandOtherIntangiblesDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/GoodwillandOtherIntangibleAssetsSummaryofCoreDepositandOtherIntangiblesDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="ia361d83b15474daba8214b0758499995_GoodwillandOtherIntangibleAssetsSummaryofCoreDepositandOtherIntangiblesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_ac6c6757-ebcb-47c9-bfd7-2a196cedac8c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract_b13a8f7c-daba-4d5b-b1ef-bfb3b7624a36" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_ac6c6757-ebcb-47c9-bfd7-2a196cedac8c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract_b13a8f7c-daba-4d5b-b1ef-bfb3b7624a36" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_8d17a2a9-4ae4-4a1b-9589-e399a19a3866" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract_b13a8f7c-daba-4d5b-b1ef-bfb3b7624a36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_8d17a2a9-4ae4-4a1b-9589-e399a19a3866" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAcquired1_78554bbb-99ab-496c-a565-d786f3aa6f6f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAcquired1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract_b13a8f7c-daba-4d5b-b1ef-bfb3b7624a36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAcquired1_78554bbb-99ab-496c-a565-d786f3aa6f6f" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_8a8c2491-b697-4f6c-bbe9-87fbc21a7c1b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsPeriodIncreaseDecrease"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract_b13a8f7c-daba-4d5b-b1ef-bfb3b7624a36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_8a8c2491-b697-4f6c-bbe9-87fbc21a7c1b" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_33c99b12-b550-47f0-b828-17988f7c5a96" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract_b13a8f7c-daba-4d5b-b1ef-bfb3b7624a36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_33c99b12-b550-47f0-b828-17988f7c5a96" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_b64f82f4-6797-445f-91d2-0824544ebf3e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract_b13a8f7c-daba-4d5b-b1ef-bfb3b7624a36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_b64f82f4-6797-445f-91d2-0824544ebf3e" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_e76fa4f0-fbb1-41a7-ba8f-764cab2340c1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract_b13a8f7c-daba-4d5b-b1ef-bfb3b7624a36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_e76fa4f0-fbb1-41a7-ba8f-764cab2340c1" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_9ef5bbf2-bbba-4299-a984-d52311b29de5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_ac6c6757-ebcb-47c9-bfd7-2a196cedac8c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_9ef5bbf2-bbba-4299-a984-d52311b29de5" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_fce522ce-7d18-4879-af22-183ab442f66d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_9ef5bbf2-bbba-4299-a984-d52311b29de5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_fce522ce-7d18-4879-af22-183ab442f66d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_fce522ce-7d18-4879-af22-183ab442f66d_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_fce522ce-7d18-4879-af22-183ab442f66d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_fce522ce-7d18-4879-af22-183ab442f66d_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_979b2c0a-69cb-4a01-adb7-551e8467ac25" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_fce522ce-7d18-4879-af22-183ab442f66d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_979b2c0a-69cb-4a01-adb7-551e8467ac25" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CoreDepositsMember_08aed4f5-480e-4f92-8a80-087ac6070080" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CoreDepositsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_979b2c0a-69cb-4a01-adb7-551e8467ac25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CoreDepositsMember_08aed4f5-480e-4f92-8a80-087ac6070080" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember_e9a73a4e-6465-4476-96ec-7af4759b399e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_979b2c0a-69cb-4a01-adb7-551e8467ac25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember_e9a73a4e-6465-4476-96ec-7af4759b399e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_778c5533-3f28-46ba-b4f9-4232c1e70f89" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_9ef5bbf2-bbba-4299-a984-d52311b29de5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_778c5533-3f28-46ba-b4f9-4232c1e70f89" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_778c5533-3f28-46ba-b4f9-4232c1e70f89_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_778c5533-3f28-46ba-b4f9-4232c1e70f89" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_778c5533-3f28-46ba-b4f9-4232c1e70f89_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_3f247fbc-f668-48c3-ab45-e6477b1bce6c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_778c5533-3f28-46ba-b4f9-4232c1e70f89" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_3f247fbc-f668-48c3-ab45-e6477b1bce6c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupDisposedOfBySaleNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember_cc6127d0-570d-4f73-8ff2-78ef43ac24fc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupDisposedOfBySaleNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_3f247fbc-f668-48c3-ab45-e6477b1bce6c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupDisposedOfBySaleNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember_cc6127d0-570d-4f73-8ff2-78ef43ac24fc" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/GoodwillandOtherIntangibleAssetsEstimatedFutureAmortizationExpenseDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#GoodwillandOtherIntangibleAssetsEstimatedFutureAmortizationExpenseDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/GoodwillandOtherIntangibleAssetsEstimatedFutureAmortizationExpenseDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="ieef3f57976dd4d718dc1348c7cd34f5c_GoodwillandOtherIntangibleAssetsEstimatedFutureAmortizationExpenseDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_ec681d82-2c15-466a-9102-45f56b651cb0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_77643daa-9222-406a-a247-d0adb1d244be" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_ec681d82-2c15-466a-9102-45f56b651cb0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_77643daa-9222-406a-a247-d0adb1d244be" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseRemainderOfFiscalYear_1792b64c-4af4-4183-b3f6-e8edc25db731" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseRemainderOfFiscalYear"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_77643daa-9222-406a-a247-d0adb1d244be" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseRemainderOfFiscalYear_1792b64c-4af4-4183-b3f6-e8edc25db731" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths_31fb8db6-ec02-422c-aa24-ebb1d63bc6f0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_77643daa-9222-406a-a247-d0adb1d244be" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths_31fb8db6-ec02-422c-aa24-ebb1d63bc6f0" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo_f42e6367-171d-4d6b-8921-2999f02f4c05" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_77643daa-9222-406a-a247-d0adb1d244be" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo_f42e6367-171d-4d6b-8921-2999f02f4c05" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree_c45bd1a2-2a8b-42ca-aca4-d88512606366" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_77643daa-9222-406a-a247-d0adb1d244be" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree_c45bd1a2-2a8b-42ca-aca4-d88512606366" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour_5b7cbdf0-1b24-4ef2-8b7c-d06675bfae19" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_77643daa-9222-406a-a247-d0adb1d244be" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour_5b7cbdf0-1b24-4ef2-8b7c-d06675bfae19" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive_bfe1f2c1-8ef1-42e4-8848-55d72178e1e9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_77643daa-9222-406a-a247-d0adb1d244be" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive_bfe1f2c1-8ef1-42e4-8848-55d72178e1e9" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseAfterYearFive_03fd28c9-14c2-47bb-8bfa-fdbf7abef9e2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseAfterYearFive"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_77643daa-9222-406a-a247-d0adb1d244be" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseAfterYearFive_03fd28c9-14c2-47bb-8bfa-fdbf7abef9e2" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_7103aa72-6274-40f9-bd5f-134bb78f7f24" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseAbstract_77643daa-9222-406a-a247-d0adb1d244be" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_7103aa72-6274-40f9-bd5f-134bb78f7f24" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_0b87ad02-133b-4c75-b45b-58007eaef7c6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_ec681d82-2c15-466a-9102-45f56b651cb0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_0b87ad02-133b-4c75-b45b-58007eaef7c6" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_76c778fa-5c32-4292-8386-8cc55311d1ee" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_0b87ad02-133b-4c75-b45b-58007eaef7c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_76c778fa-5c32-4292-8386-8cc55311d1ee" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_76c778fa-5c32-4292-8386-8cc55311d1ee_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_76c778fa-5c32-4292-8386-8cc55311d1ee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_76c778fa-5c32-4292-8386-8cc55311d1ee_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_a1077507-7f16-4252-a127-30233014461d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_76c778fa-5c32-4292-8386-8cc55311d1ee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_a1077507-7f16-4252-a127-30233014461d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CoreDepositsMember_8785cd19-4a6a-4fca-a192-e1d83b958ce1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CoreDepositsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_a1077507-7f16-4252-a127-30233014461d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CoreDepositsMember_8785cd19-4a6a-4fca-a192-e1d83b958ce1" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember_b2fbf7bd-1dea-4b53-b7a7-b466aaffe100" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_a1077507-7f16-4252-a127-30233014461d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember_b2fbf7bd-1dea-4b53-b7a7-b466aaffe100" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ServicingContractsMember_4177298e-f4db-4e08-a7c6-95b57e8a576b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingContractsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_a1077507-7f16-4252-a127-30233014461d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ServicingContractsMember_4177298e-f4db-4e08-a7c6-95b57e8a576b" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/GoodwillandOtherIntangibleAssetsDetailsTextuals" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#GoodwillandOtherIntangibleAssetsDetailsTextuals"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/GoodwillandOtherIntangibleAssetsDetailsTextuals" xlink:type="extended" id="i563cec06e8544fffb72e60f71f3ede9a_GoodwillandOtherIntangibleAssetsDetailsTextuals">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_d050feba-f28a-4f6f-92f5-78c891c9209c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedFactsAndCircumstancesLeadingToImpairment_a2ebe995-62f6-4271-b135-350dd2ee13a9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedFactsAndCircumstancesLeadingToImpairment"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_d050feba-f28a-4f6f-92f5-78c891c9209c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedFactsAndCircumstancesLeadingToImpairment_a2ebe995-62f6-4271-b135-350dd2ee13a9" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_3c0c8b01-ed70-422c-b041-15bedab077cb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_d050feba-f28a-4f6f-92f5-78c891c9209c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_3c0c8b01-ed70-422c-b041-15bedab077cb" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_67a20904-cbc4-4409-99ac-c6b3e0501597" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_d050feba-f28a-4f6f-92f5-78c891c9209c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_67a20904-cbc4-4409-99ac-c6b3e0501597" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_d2b67c52-8e10-4a2b-a56f-81bc9bab0e2b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsPeriodIncreaseDecrease"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_d050feba-f28a-4f6f-92f5-78c891c9209c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_d2b67c52-8e10-4a2b-a56f-81bc9bab0e2b" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_ScheduleOfGoodwillInformationTable_b0cdc5f0-f5cc-4aed-b7db-cf094c441beb" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_ScheduleOfGoodwillInformationTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_d050feba-f28a-4f6f-92f5-78c891c9209c" xlink:to="loc_asb_ScheduleOfGoodwillInformationTable_b0cdc5f0-f5cc-4aed-b7db-cf094c441beb" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_6ca6bb98-cccc-43c0-8d32-16a866712625" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleOfGoodwillInformationTable_b0cdc5f0-f5cc-4aed-b7db-cf094c441beb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_6ca6bb98-cccc-43c0-8d32-16a866712625" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_6ca6bb98-cccc-43c0-8d32-16a866712625_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_6ca6bb98-cccc-43c0-8d32-16a866712625" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_6ca6bb98-cccc-43c0-8d32-16a866712625_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_4fae5ba2-5041-4d4d-a4d8-f0da2b291315" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_6ca6bb98-cccc-43c0-8d32-16a866712625" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_4fae5ba2-5041-4d4d-a4d8-f0da2b291315" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember_2fdb7784-54a2-4190-9b8e-ea0ab6792002" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_4fae5ba2-5041-4d4d-a4d8-f0da2b291315" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember_2fdb7784-54a2-4190-9b8e-ea0ab6792002" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_cc324d86-783c-49c5-b621-f17044abfc6e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleOfGoodwillInformationTable_b0cdc5f0-f5cc-4aed-b7db-cf094c441beb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_cc324d86-783c-49c5-b621-f17044abfc6e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_cc324d86-783c-49c5-b621-f17044abfc6e_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_cc324d86-783c-49c5-b621-f17044abfc6e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_cc324d86-783c-49c5-b621-f17044abfc6e_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_03187b6d-ad7c-42d2-b49f-f0abe132e28f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_cc324d86-783c-49c5-b621-f17044abfc6e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_03187b6d-ad7c-42d2-b49f-f0abe132e28f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupDisposedOfBySaleNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember_722169dc-4172-4558-9bfd-8ba4a449e600" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupDisposedOfBySaleNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_03187b6d-ad7c-42d2-b49f-f0abe132e28f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupDisposedOfBySaleNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember_722169dc-4172-4558-9bfd-8ba4a449e600" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_2bf30637-8ad5-4ff9-b6c3-39b8b63172c7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleOfGoodwillInformationTable_b0cdc5f0-f5cc-4aed-b7db-cf094c441beb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_2bf30637-8ad5-4ff9-b6c3-39b8b63172c7" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_2bf30637-8ad5-4ff9-b6c3-39b8b63172c7_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_2bf30637-8ad5-4ff9-b6c3-39b8b63172c7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_2bf30637-8ad5-4ff9-b6c3-39b8b63172c7_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_a59245ef-f42a-4f0e-adff-3978e0922ab7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_2bf30637-8ad5-4ff9-b6c3-39b8b63172c7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_a59245ef-f42a-4f0e-adff-3978e0922ab7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_WhitnellMember_d2c5dc64-4856-4a39-826d-c4ce2a5e44ea" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_WhitnellMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_a59245ef-f42a-4f0e-adff-3978e0922ab7" xlink:to="loc_asb_WhitnellMember_d2c5dc64-4856-4a39-826d-c4ce2a5e44ea" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/ShortandLongTermFundingFHLBAdvancesComponentsofShorttermandLongtermFundingDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#ShortandLongTermFundingFHLBAdvancesComponentsofShorttermandLongtermFundingDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/ShortandLongTermFundingFHLBAdvancesComponentsofShorttermandLongtermFundingDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="ie29bb25d45c9484f93fc23aa454d47b3_ShortandLongTermFundingFHLBAdvancesComponentsofShorttermandLongtermFundingDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_9788e697-9308-43ba-b632-5097f9a6c540" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubordinatedDebt_85fab9f6-8bce-46b0-aa76-9a0e7317097b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubordinatedDebt"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_9788e697-9308-43ba-b632-5097f9a6c540" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubordinatedDebt_85fab9f6-8bce-46b0-aa76-9a0e7317097b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_OtherLongtermDebtandCapitalizedCosts_183baa1f-d31a-4080-8e2b-ec6e5f257d2d" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_OtherLongtermDebtandCapitalizedCosts"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_9788e697-9308-43ba-b632-5097f9a6c540" xlink:to="loc_asb_OtherLongtermDebtandCapitalizedCosts_183baa1f-d31a-4080-8e2b-ec6e5f257d2d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability_f4104027-8f4c-4b30-9e52-d9b984ede833" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_9788e697-9308-43ba-b632-5097f9a6c540" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability_f4104027-8f4c-4b30-9e52-d9b984ede833" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_40dc5b6e-aade-45d5-9914-149185b5a0fe" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_9788e697-9308-43ba-b632-5097f9a6c540" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_40dc5b6e-aade-45d5-9914-149185b5a0fe" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_TotalShortTermLongTermExcludingFHLB_464b1510-09e1-4c28-96d1-71c62b37bb71" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_TotalShortTermLongTermExcludingFHLB"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_9788e697-9308-43ba-b632-5097f9a6c540" xlink:to="loc_asb_TotalShortTermLongTermExcludingFHLB_464b1510-09e1-4c28-96d1-71c62b37bb71" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubordinatedDebt_79110887-a2de-432f-9ee6-703f9aef9bba" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubordinatedDebt"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdvancesFromFederalHomeLoanBanks_fbb9b94d-8f5b-400b-8d32-6b2ccd5c713e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AdvancesFromFederalHomeLoanBanks"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_9788e697-9308-43ba-b632-5097f9a6c540" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdvancesFromFederalHomeLoanBanks_fbb9b94d-8f5b-400b-8d32-6b2ccd5c713e" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_00264d01-8556-4366-864e-507804d56440" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_9788e697-9308-43ba-b632-5097f9a6c540" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_00264d01-8556-4366-864e-507804d56440" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_3871e1bd-ceee-4f0b-a33b-2f02d155c15c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_00264d01-8556-4366-864e-507804d56440" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_3871e1bd-ceee-4f0b-a33b-2f02d155c15c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_3871e1bd-ceee-4f0b-a33b-2f02d155c15c_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_3871e1bd-ceee-4f0b-a33b-2f02d155c15c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_3871e1bd-ceee-4f0b-a33b-2f02d155c15c_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_d80dfb50-422a-4a53-bb03-e09ad8c00496" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_3871e1bd-ceee-4f0b-a33b-2f02d155c15c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_d80dfb50-422a-4a53-bb03-e09ad8c00496" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueHedgingMember_83371d33-02c3-44c4-9c58-ad980d9ff92a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueHedgingMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_d80dfb50-422a-4a53-bb03-e09ad8c00496" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueHedgingMember_83371d33-02c3-44c4-9c58-ad980d9ff92a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/ShortandLongTermFundingRemainingContractualMaturityoftheSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementstoRepurchaseDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#ShortandLongTermFundingRemainingContractualMaturityoftheSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementstoRepurchaseDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/ShortandLongTermFundingRemainingContractualMaturityoftheSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementstoRepurchaseDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i1a656afc1987471ea5d4ad546d67140b_ShortandLongTermFundingRemainingContractualMaturityoftheSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementstoRepurchaseDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_RemainingContractualMaturityoftheSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementtoRepurchaseLineItems_433e922d-c391-4a74-ba40-c880020830ff" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_RemainingContractualMaturityoftheSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementtoRepurchaseLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialAssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseGrossIncludingNotSubjectToMasterNettingArrangement_6508c198-6e21-450f-ba23-17ea4b0c803a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialAssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseGrossIncludingNotSubjectToMasterNettingArrangement"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_RemainingContractualMaturityoftheSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementtoRepurchaseLineItems_433e922d-c391-4a74-ba40-c880020830ff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialAssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseGrossIncludingNotSubjectToMasterNettingArrangement_6508c198-6e21-450f-ba23-17ea4b0c803a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_RemainingContractualMaturityoftheSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementtoRepurchaseTable_096b7f22-3bfe-4f00-9951-8b2068535c7a" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_RemainingContractualMaturityoftheSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementtoRepurchaseTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_asb_RemainingContractualMaturityoftheSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementtoRepurchaseLineItems_433e922d-c391-4a74-ba40-c880020830ff" xlink:to="loc_asb_RemainingContractualMaturityoftheSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementtoRepurchaseTable_096b7f22-3bfe-4f00-9951-8b2068535c7a" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_0201b154-3ab8-48f0-8e3d-9846a9e843a0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_asb_RemainingContractualMaturityoftheSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementtoRepurchaseTable_096b7f22-3bfe-4f00-9951-8b2068535c7a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_0201b154-3ab8-48f0-8e3d-9846a9e843a0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_0201b154-3ab8-48f0-8e3d-9846a9e843a0_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_0201b154-3ab8-48f0-8e3d-9846a9e843a0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_0201b154-3ab8-48f0-8e3d-9846a9e843a0_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_3e392fcb-699a-431e-b247-195d9c7996de" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_0201b154-3ab8-48f0-8e3d-9846a9e843a0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_3e392fcb-699a-431e-b247-195d9c7996de" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember_dcc17eb1-97af-42c8-b4dd-fba6d2fc1721" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_3e392fcb-699a-431e-b247-195d9c7996de" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember_dcc17eb1-97af-42c8-b4dd-fba6d2fc1721" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodsAxis_dc40b26f-1697-4828-bb1a-808e16697f52" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_asb_RemainingContractualMaturityoftheSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementtoRepurchaseTable_096b7f22-3bfe-4f00-9951-8b2068535c7a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodsAxis_dc40b26f-1697-4828-bb1a-808e16697f52" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain_dc40b26f-1697-4828-bb1a-808e16697f52_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodsAxis_dc40b26f-1697-4828-bb1a-808e16697f52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain_dc40b26f-1697-4828-bb1a-808e16697f52_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain_40a1f774-dc1f-4286-8d2b-bb9ea9b6651e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodsAxis_dc40b26f-1697-4828-bb1a-808e16697f52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain_40a1f774-dc1f-4286-8d2b-bb9ea9b6651e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaturityOvernightAndOnDemandMember_0571f234-5f32-4def-a3aa-5549c3a5a18a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MaturityOvernightAndOnDemandMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain_40a1f774-dc1f-4286-8d2b-bb9ea9b6651e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaturityOvernightAndOnDemandMember_0571f234-5f32-4def-a3aa-5549c3a5a18a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/ShortandLongTermFundingLongtermFundingNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#ShortandLongTermFundingLongtermFundingNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/ShortandLongTermFundingLongtermFundingNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="id68cd816f1114e4989edeb69ca59e119_ShortandLongTermFundingLongtermFundingNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_758acefc-48e8-4eb3-a9fc-bd84a17030a8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_FairValueOfPledgedSecuritesToSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase_ffdd411c-dda3-44ed-a889-800460a91544" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_FairValueOfPledgedSecuritesToSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_758acefc-48e8-4eb3-a9fc-bd84a17030a8" xlink:to="loc_asb_FairValueOfPledgedSecuritesToSecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase_ffdd411c-dda3-44ed-a889-800460a91544" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_DebtInstrumentIssuanceDateMonthYear_06779b21-5a8d-4266-9e8f-973790662000" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_DebtInstrumentIssuanceDateMonthYear"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_758acefc-48e8-4eb3-a9fc-bd84a17030a8" xlink:to="loc_asb_DebtInstrumentIssuanceDateMonthYear_06779b21-5a8d-4266-9e8f-973790662000" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_JuniorSubordinatedDebenturesIssued_4dbaf512-b528-48fe-a794-422c2b38338b" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_JuniorSubordinatedDebenturesIssued"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_758acefc-48e8-4eb3-a9fc-bd84a17030a8" xlink:to="loc_asb_JuniorSubordinatedDebenturesIssued_4dbaf512-b528-48fe-a794-422c2b38338b" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_90ec5bdb-0cf1-4b8d-8757-9015fc917323" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_758acefc-48e8-4eb3-a9fc-bd84a17030a8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_90ec5bdb-0cf1-4b8d-8757-9015fc917323" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateMonthYear_847c4320-da57-4511-a222-d66599b994e8" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateMonthYear"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_758acefc-48e8-4eb3-a9fc-bd84a17030a8" xlink:to="loc_asb_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateMonthYear_847c4320-da57-4511-a222-d66599b994e8" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_DebtInstrumentCallDateEarliestMonthYear_62ed3c72-6697-4254-93f9-2cc6cf9c83b9" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_DebtInstrumentCallDateEarliestMonthYear"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_758acefc-48e8-4eb3-a9fc-bd84a17030a8" xlink:to="loc_asb_DebtInstrumentCallDateEarliestMonthYear_62ed3c72-6697-4254-93f9-2cc6cf9c83b9" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubordinatedBorrowingInterestRate_9c2956c5-622b-4f43-91b7-a7ac267880e2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubordinatedBorrowingInterestRate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_758acefc-48e8-4eb3-a9fc-bd84a17030a8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubordinatedBorrowingInterestRate_9c2956c5-622b-4f43-91b7-a7ac267880e2" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_FHLBAdvancesPrepayment_a4397ee3-e476-4ccc-9b97-5b965d98e726" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_FHLBAdvancesPrepayment"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_758acefc-48e8-4eb3-a9fc-bd84a17030a8" xlink:to="loc_asb_FHLBAdvancesPrepayment_a4397ee3-e476-4ccc-9b97-5b965d98e726" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaymentFeesOnAdvancesNet_12ca2fc3-64ac-4e49-a572-9f1d4ad04bba" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaymentFeesOnAdvancesNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_758acefc-48e8-4eb3-a9fc-bd84a17030a8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaymentFeesOnAdvancesNet_12ca2fc3-64ac-4e49-a572-9f1d4ad04bba" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_b536a291-619b-460b-8f03-91799386ad9d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_758acefc-48e8-4eb3-a9fc-bd84a17030a8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_b536a291-619b-460b-8f03-91799386ad9d" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubordinatedBorrowingAxis_7f57f739-e2ff-4a3f-8834-15437425fa64" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubordinatedBorrowingAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_b536a291-619b-460b-8f03-91799386ad9d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubordinatedBorrowingAxis_7f57f739-e2ff-4a3f-8834-15437425fa64" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubordinatedBorrowingNameDomain_7f57f739-e2ff-4a3f-8834-15437425fa64_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubordinatedBorrowingNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubordinatedBorrowingAxis_7f57f739-e2ff-4a3f-8834-15437425fa64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubordinatedBorrowingNameDomain_7f57f739-e2ff-4a3f-8834-15437425fa64_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubordinatedBorrowingNameDomain_30824278-2965-465b-870c-ab8cbf129d7d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubordinatedBorrowingNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubordinatedBorrowingAxis_7f57f739-e2ff-4a3f-8834-15437425fa64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubordinatedBorrowingNameDomain_30824278-2965-465b-870c-ab8cbf129d7d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_TwoThousandFourteenSubordinatedNotesMember_8e8a669f-06fc-4534-813a-1d53d03cae7a" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_TwoThousandFourteenSubordinatedNotesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubordinatedBorrowingNameDomain_30824278-2965-465b-870c-ab8cbf129d7d" xlink:to="loc_asb_TwoThousandFourteenSubordinatedNotesMember_8e8a669f-06fc-4534-813a-1d53d03cae7a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/DerivativeandHedgingActivitiesDerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedasHedgingInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#DerivativeandHedgingActivitiesDerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedasHedgingInstrumentsDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/DerivativeandHedgingActivitiesDerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedasHedgingInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i2d02e7711cf643c1bf209101b05c191a_DerivativeandHedgingActivitiesDerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedasHedgingInstrumentsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_f1dfebfb-8ca0-4b8e-9af0-93ac12030475" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract_41dfe7b0-b3bc-44c2-82e0-fa82c98144d3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_f1dfebfb-8ca0-4b8e-9af0-93ac12030475" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract_41dfe7b0-b3bc-44c2-82e0-fa82c98144d3" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetNotionalAmount_505e9243-fea5-44d5-a930-95104f930a41" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetNotionalAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract_41dfe7b0-b3bc-44c2-82e0-fa82c98144d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetNotionalAmount_505e9243-fea5-44d5-a930-95104f930a41" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_f0bba998-c0c7-445c-8a70-3dc468d84146" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract_41dfe7b0-b3bc-44c2-82e0-fa82c98144d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_f0bba998-c0c7-445c-8a70-3dc468d84146" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotionalAmount_868ccf89-d614-4c84-b1cb-077eaf065ff8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotionalAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract_41dfe7b0-b3bc-44c2-82e0-fa82c98144d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotionalAmount_868ccf89-d614-4c84-b1cb-077eaf065ff8" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_f9f4ce91-214c-4dc9-8b09-39e4ac86a5fb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract_41dfe7b0-b3bc-44c2-82e0-fa82c98144d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_f9f4ce91-214c-4dc9-8b09-39e4ac86a5fb" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiability_745a6cb0-9549-4f80-b5b2-76dc24f5dd5d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiability"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract_41dfe7b0-b3bc-44c2-82e0-fa82c98144d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiability_745a6cb0-9549-4f80-b5b2-76dc24f5dd5d" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset_87836fd7-5dc8-418d-be20-768d27283593" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract_41dfe7b0-b3bc-44c2-82e0-fa82c98144d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset_87836fd7-5dc8-418d-be20-768d27283593" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetCollateralObligationToReturnCashOffset_07079713-c745-4d42-8278-57ef79ad62a2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetCollateralObligationToReturnCashOffset"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract_41dfe7b0-b3bc-44c2-82e0-fa82c98144d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetCollateralObligationToReturnCashOffset_07079713-c745-4d42-8278-57ef79ad62a2" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityCollateralRightToReclaimCashOffset_985caa8a-ec49-4292-ae0a-9a44087fd983" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityCollateralRightToReclaimCashOffset"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract_41dfe7b0-b3bc-44c2-82e0-fa82c98144d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityCollateralRightToReclaimCashOffset_985caa8a-ec49-4292-ae0a-9a44087fd983" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_2eeabcb2-183f-48d5-b9d2-aa1c946ca027" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract_41dfe7b0-b3bc-44c2-82e0-fa82c98144d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_2eeabcb2-183f-48d5-b9d2-aa1c946ca027" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_6463643e-935f-45c8-a7c5-9893649eaa6a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAbstract_41dfe7b0-b3bc-44c2-82e0-fa82c98144d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_6463643e-935f-45c8-a7c5-9893649eaa6a" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_109546dc-0fb7-4924-90b5-f2bbfafb33cd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_f1dfebfb-8ca0-4b8e-9af0-93ac12030475" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_109546dc-0fb7-4924-90b5-f2bbfafb33cd" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_79c856f4-0a25-4e79-80d4-98e50fdfe8ff" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_109546dc-0fb7-4924-90b5-f2bbfafb33cd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_79c856f4-0a25-4e79-80d4-98e50fdfe8ff" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_79c856f4-0a25-4e79-80d4-98e50fdfe8ff_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_79c856f4-0a25-4e79-80d4-98e50fdfe8ff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_79c856f4-0a25-4e79-80d4-98e50fdfe8ff_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_c2c8dab7-c7eb-4617-9cc0-abcf05b9d802" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_79c856f4-0a25-4e79-80d4-98e50fdfe8ff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_c2c8dab7-c7eb-4617-9cc0-abcf05b9d802" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_66cf5168-5a86-4cb1-b62b-b492e336d070" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NondesignatedMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_c2c8dab7-c7eb-4617-9cc0-abcf05b9d802" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_66cf5168-5a86-4cb1-b62b-b492e336d070" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_6b8e7ce4-03df-40db-a2cf-b4182af0c246" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_109546dc-0fb7-4924-90b5-f2bbfafb33cd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_6b8e7ce4-03df-40db-a2cf-b4182af0c246" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_6b8e7ce4-03df-40db-a2cf-b4182af0c246_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_6b8e7ce4-03df-40db-a2cf-b4182af0c246" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_6b8e7ce4-03df-40db-a2cf-b4182af0c246_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_ad2ea5f0-1619-42eb-a21d-3e7e895bc6d2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_6b8e7ce4-03df-40db-a2cf-b4182af0c246" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_ad2ea5f0-1619-42eb-a21d-3e7e895bc6d2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember_1ea32cba-00f9-4cff-a4a5-666c73cf7efc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_ad2ea5f0-1619-42eb-a21d-3e7e895bc6d2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember_1ea32cba-00f9-4cff-a4a5-666c73cf7efc" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMember_49111789-0f1b-4e38-8ba5-aaf526900a97" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_ad2ea5f0-1619-42eb-a21d-3e7e895bc6d2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMember_49111789-0f1b-4e38-8ba5-aaf526900a97" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_3f173036-068a-4392-b732-11fab2a74c12" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_109546dc-0fb7-4924-90b5-f2bbfafb33cd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_3f173036-068a-4392-b732-11fab2a74c12" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_3f173036-068a-4392-b732-11fab2a74c12_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_3f173036-068a-4392-b732-11fab2a74c12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_3f173036-068a-4392-b732-11fab2a74c12_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_c970feeb-15e0-4e4a-9585-66b950feb160" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_3f173036-068a-4392-b732-11fab2a74c12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_c970feeb-15e0-4e4a-9585-66b950feb160" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_InterestRateRelatedInstrumentsCustomerAndMirrorMember_bdc263e9-a397-490c-b485-9653edb93f37" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_InterestRateRelatedInstrumentsCustomerAndMirrorMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_c970feeb-15e0-4e4a-9585-66b950feb160" xlink:to="loc_asb_InterestRateRelatedInstrumentsCustomerAndMirrorMember_bdc263e9-a397-490c-b485-9653edb93f37" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember_d361938f-f5fd-4b6b-b4a5-8f3bc7c7afb2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_c970feeb-15e0-4e4a-9585-66b950feb160" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember_d361938f-f5fd-4b6b-b4a5-8f3bc7c7afb2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommodityContractMember_a131acbe-08d7-4065-86b6-4229453b7af4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommodityContractMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_c970feeb-15e0-4e4a-9585-66b950feb160" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommodityContractMember_a131acbe-08d7-4065-86b6-4229453b7af4" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember_3edddd71-8067-41f3-8a7c-db7b851916da" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_c970feeb-15e0-4e4a-9585-66b950feb160" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember_3edddd71-8067-41f3-8a7c-db7b851916da" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_05dd1877-a6af-4fed-94c1-4f8352ed97a4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_109546dc-0fb7-4924-90b5-f2bbfafb33cd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_05dd1877-a6af-4fed-94c1-4f8352ed97a4" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_05dd1877-a6af-4fed-94c1-4f8352ed97a4_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_05dd1877-a6af-4fed-94c1-4f8352ed97a4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_05dd1877-a6af-4fed-94c1-4f8352ed97a4_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_afe350b0-2641-4c71-a97d-63aea75f2f17" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_05dd1877-a6af-4fed-94c1-4f8352ed97a4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_afe350b0-2641-4c71-a97d-63aea75f2f17" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_722e94a5-12f9-4520-96e3-c9af7b3bfb0e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_afe350b0-2641-4c71-a97d-63aea75f2f17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_722e94a5-12f9-4520-96e3-c9af7b3bfb0e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_359b7e29-a7d4-4861-876f-82c0bdbdc88f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_afe350b0-2641-4c71-a97d-63aea75f2f17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_359b7e29-a7d4-4861-876f-82c0bdbdc88f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_b8ebb277-efa5-450b-b72b-d11ba0a6d101" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_109546dc-0fb7-4924-90b5-f2bbfafb33cd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_b8ebb277-efa5-450b-b72b-d11ba0a6d101" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_b8ebb277-efa5-450b-b72b-d11ba0a6d101_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_b8ebb277-efa5-450b-b72b-d11ba0a6d101" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_b8ebb277-efa5-450b-b72b-d11ba0a6d101_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_e20160c6-bbf4-41c8-b4dc-f206b0ec9d35" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_b8ebb277-efa5-450b-b72b-d11ba0a6d101" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_e20160c6-bbf4-41c8-b4dc-f206b0ec9d35" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_InterestRateRelatedInstrumentsCustomerAndMirrorMember_1a987dd2-3072-4422-a8d7-befa86336c3b" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_InterestRateRelatedInstrumentsCustomerAndMirrorMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_e20160c6-bbf4-41c8-b4dc-f206b0ec9d35" xlink:to="loc_asb_InterestRateRelatedInstrumentsCustomerAndMirrorMember_1a987dd2-3072-4422-a8d7-befa86336c3b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember_13d23b3e-c951-41c6-9113-e4eb4cf248f7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_e20160c6-bbf4-41c8-b4dc-f206b0ec9d35" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember_13d23b3e-c951-41c6-9113-e4eb4cf248f7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommodityContractMember_e45783ef-acf9-43fc-87f2-452c75911301" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommodityContractMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_e20160c6-bbf4-41c8-b4dc-f206b0ec9d35" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommodityContractMember_e45783ef-acf9-43fc-87f2-452c75911301" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember_e072aa5d-a9c6-48b5-a05b-01b485ac74a6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_e20160c6-bbf4-41c8-b4dc-f206b0ec9d35" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember_e072aa5d-a9c6-48b5-a05b-01b485ac74a6" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_01291aaf-a438-4959-9362-1636ddb1523a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_109546dc-0fb7-4924-90b5-f2bbfafb33cd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_01291aaf-a438-4959-9362-1636ddb1523a" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_01291aaf-a438-4959-9362-1636ddb1523a_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_01291aaf-a438-4959-9362-1636ddb1523a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_01291aaf-a438-4959-9362-1636ddb1523a_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_0e23c475-ed3a-43d5-8ad2-549a09cb7f4b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_01291aaf-a438-4959-9362-1636ddb1523a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_0e23c475-ed3a-43d5-8ad2-549a09cb7f4b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_c57317c8-a556-4143-b91d-4eb56979883a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_0e23c475-ed3a-43d5-8ad2-549a09cb7f4b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_c57317c8-a556-4143-b91d-4eb56979883a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/DerivativeandHedgingActivitiesCumulativeBasisAdjustmentforFairValueHedgesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#DerivativeandHedgingActivitiesCumulativeBasisAdjustmentforFairValueHedgesDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/DerivativeandHedgingActivitiesCumulativeBasisAdjustmentforFairValueHedgesDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="id19f836a8f374a16a6691e7f1336e8f4_DerivativeandHedgingActivitiesCumulativeBasisAdjustmentforFairValueHedgesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_BalanceSheetRecordingOfFairValueHedge1LineItems_4447a143-579d-435e-99ad-a3555ccd7de6" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_BalanceSheetRecordingOfFairValueHedge1LineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_baad19c3-2f15-4a33-8cfd-86c6ed2b34d1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_BalanceSheetRecordingOfFairValueHedge1LineItems_4447a143-579d-435e-99ad-a3555ccd7de6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_baad19c3-2f15-4a33-8cfd-86c6ed2b34d1" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredGainLossOnDiscontinuationOfFairValueHedge_0d8b3a31-d2c8-47c8-92a2-785fa320d0fd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredGainLossOnDiscontinuationOfFairValueHedge"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_BalanceSheetRecordingOfFairValueHedge1LineItems_4447a143-579d-435e-99ad-a3555ccd7de6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredGainLossOnDiscontinuationOfFairValueHedge_0d8b3a31-d2c8-47c8-92a2-785fa320d0fd" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_BalanceSheetRecordingOfFairValueHedgeTable_2eeea181-b223-4c90-b80a-40b0bb3df6ad" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_BalanceSheetRecordingOfFairValueHedgeTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_asb_BalanceSheetRecordingOfFairValueHedge1LineItems_4447a143-579d-435e-99ad-a3555ccd7de6" xlink:to="loc_asb_BalanceSheetRecordingOfFairValueHedgeTable_2eeea181-b223-4c90-b80a-40b0bb3df6ad" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_8c04f514-2387-4e1d-bbe0-754e81d5d3dd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_asb_BalanceSheetRecordingOfFairValueHedgeTable_2eeea181-b223-4c90-b80a-40b0bb3df6ad" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_8c04f514-2387-4e1d-bbe0-754e81d5d3dd" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_8c04f514-2387-4e1d-bbe0-754e81d5d3dd_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_8c04f514-2387-4e1d-bbe0-754e81d5d3dd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_8c04f514-2387-4e1d-bbe0-754e81d5d3dd_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_ee78ffa9-ad92-4ffd-9f75-5c1279342b32" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_8c04f514-2387-4e1d-bbe0-754e81d5d3dd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_ee78ffa9-ad92-4ffd-9f75-5c1279342b32" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember_cf6cbea1-3726-4ad5-865b-5383ad821692" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_ee78ffa9-ad92-4ffd-9f75-5c1279342b32" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember_cf6cbea1-3726-4ad5-865b-5383ad821692" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_a972461c-a254-4827-8e79-19da58a9f883" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_asb_BalanceSheetRecordingOfFairValueHedgeTable_2eeea181-b223-4c90-b80a-40b0bb3df6ad" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_a972461c-a254-4827-8e79-19da58a9f883" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_a972461c-a254-4827-8e79-19da58a9f883_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_a972461c-a254-4827-8e79-19da58a9f883" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_a972461c-a254-4827-8e79-19da58a9f883_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_21e0cad1-a6fb-41c3-af2c-208812db57e2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_a972461c-a254-4827-8e79-19da58a9f883" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_21e0cad1-a6fb-41c3-af2c-208812db57e2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMember_11fb07ac-3046-435d-ae2f-07a04dae692d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_21e0cad1-a6fb-41c3-af2c-208812db57e2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMember_11fb07ac-3046-435d-ae2f-07a04dae692d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesMember_46ad7589-3828-4c48-9909-15aae9132e27" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_21e0cad1-a6fb-41c3-af2c-208812db57e2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesMember_46ad7589-3828-4c48-9909-15aae9132e27" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis_98117322-b384-4d84-be81-57eaa4a453ab" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_asb_BalanceSheetRecordingOfFairValueHedgeTable_2eeea181-b223-4c90-b80a-40b0bb3df6ad" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis_98117322-b384-4d84-be81-57eaa4a453ab" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_98117322-b384-4d84-be81-57eaa4a453ab_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis_98117322-b384-4d84-be81-57eaa4a453ab" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_98117322-b384-4d84-be81-57eaa4a453ab_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_e2513a2e-1a6a-40be-8850-c72ad7e4df57" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis_98117322-b384-4d84-be81-57eaa4a453ab" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_e2513a2e-1a6a-40be-8850-c72ad7e4df57" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember_68936722-8998-4371-b1a0-0e232c3227b6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_e2513a2e-1a6a-40be-8850-c72ad7e4df57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember_68936722-8998-4371-b1a0-0e232c3227b6" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueHedgingMember_fee1a5b9-4088-41f3-8157-e7045416cb1e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueHedgingMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_e2513a2e-1a6a-40be-8850-c72ad7e4df57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueHedgingMember_fee1a5b9-4088-41f3-8157-e7045416cb1e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/DerivativeandHedgingActivitiesIncomeimpactofFairValueandCashFlowHedgeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#DerivativeandHedgingActivitiesIncomeimpactofFairValueandCashFlowHedgeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/DerivativeandHedgingActivitiesIncomeimpactofFairValueandCashFlowHedgeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i6ec102f7f6aa4521a0013226961b3b8a_DerivativeandHedgingActivitiesIncomeimpactofFairValueandCashFlowHedgeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosuresLineItems_1c2775d7-b8a5-4c12-8759-31e130684cc4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosuresLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInUnrealizedGainLossOnHedgedItemInFairValueHedge1_961ccada-0a7d-44f2-bf2d-1d32cfdc8194" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInUnrealizedGainLossOnHedgedItemInFairValueHedge1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosuresLineItems_1c2775d7-b8a5-4c12-8759-31e130684cc4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInUnrealizedGainLossOnHedgedItemInFairValueHedge1_961ccada-0a7d-44f2-bf2d-1d32cfdc8194" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosuresTable_025cd0b3-6085-44c3-9009-76915b0b8137" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosuresLineItems_1c2775d7-b8a5-4c12-8759-31e130684cc4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosuresTable_025cd0b3-6085-44c3-9009-76915b0b8137" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_e921995b-75ca-474e-8e75-34a8a9e073ea" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosuresTable_025cd0b3-6085-44c3-9009-76915b0b8137" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_e921995b-75ca-474e-8e75-34a8a9e073ea" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_e921995b-75ca-474e-8e75-34a8a9e073ea_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_e921995b-75ca-474e-8e75-34a8a9e073ea" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_e921995b-75ca-474e-8e75-34a8a9e073ea_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_942e631d-39b0-4658-958c-8e10cc6e6e54" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_e921995b-75ca-474e-8e75-34a8a9e073ea" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_942e631d-39b0-4658-958c-8e10cc6e6e54" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentEconomicHedgeMember_74e513ec-2509-4321-8c6b-9a5cf9a26535" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentEconomicHedgeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_942e631d-39b0-4658-958c-8e10cc6e6e54" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentEconomicHedgeMember_74e513ec-2509-4321-8c6b-9a5cf9a26535" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember_879a1c41-f6e8-4328-96c5-99f1d03737e3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_942e631d-39b0-4658-958c-8e10cc6e6e54" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember_879a1c41-f6e8-4328-96c5-99f1d03737e3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_49577e81-4a86-4066-b9b6-583ee11fe7de" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosuresTable_025cd0b3-6085-44c3-9009-76915b0b8137" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_49577e81-4a86-4066-b9b6-583ee11fe7de" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_49577e81-4a86-4066-b9b6-583ee11fe7de_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_49577e81-4a86-4066-b9b6-583ee11fe7de" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_49577e81-4a86-4066-b9b6-583ee11fe7de_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_17dddaf8-2f85-456d-836d-fbffb20e404a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_49577e81-4a86-4066-b9b6-583ee11fe7de" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_17dddaf8-2f85-456d-836d-fbffb20e404a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeMember_71cc6f45-0979-42c4-8db4-3071de521ec6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_17dddaf8-2f85-456d-836d-fbffb20e404a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeMember_71cc6f45-0979-42c4-8db4-3071de521ec6" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember_9ffd4678-bf31-4ff9-a973-32a9c7040e9a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_17dddaf8-2f85-456d-836d-fbffb20e404a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember_9ffd4678-bf31-4ff9-a973-32a9c7040e9a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/DerivativeandHedgingActivitiesDerivativeImpactonPerfomanceDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#DerivativeandHedgingActivitiesDerivativeImpactonPerfomanceDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/DerivativeandHedgingActivitiesDerivativeImpactonPerfomanceDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i59b670a5c92a4f30b59421c863054580_DerivativeandHedgingActivitiesDerivativeImpactonPerfomanceDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_DerivativeImpactonPerformanceLineItems_4485418c-5a6c-42e4-804e-d804edd683df" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_DerivativeImpactonPerformanceLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet_622c6885-1d15-45f9-b279-0eef9901be9d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_DerivativeImpactonPerformanceLineItems_4485418c-5a6c-42e4-804e-d804edd683df" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet_622c6885-1d15-45f9-b279-0eef9901be9d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetNotionalAmount_6cff448e-ae5b-418b-88a4-469e55e9fc55" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetNotionalAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_DerivativeImpactonPerformanceLineItems_4485418c-5a6c-42e4-804e-d804edd683df" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetNotionalAmount_6cff448e-ae5b-418b-88a4-469e55e9fc55" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotionalAmount_53ca9460-a0dc-4c83-9609-52b930ae906e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotionalAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_DerivativeImpactonPerformanceLineItems_4485418c-5a6c-42e4-804e-d804edd683df" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotionalAmount_53ca9460-a0dc-4c83-9609-52b930ae906e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_f5592445-a342-4954-8b37-83416f613779" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_DerivativeImpactonPerformanceLineItems_4485418c-5a6c-42e4-804e-d804edd683df" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_f5592445-a342-4954-8b37-83416f613779" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_f9293765-b63c-4be4-8122-1fc914917015" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_DerivativeImpactonPerformanceLineItems_4485418c-5a6c-42e4-804e-d804edd683df" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_f9293765-b63c-4be4-8122-1fc914917015" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_0771b7e3-338b-40bb-b019-250f7e9bff2a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_DerivativeImpactonPerformanceLineItems_4485418c-5a6c-42e4-804e-d804edd683df" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_0771b7e3-338b-40bb-b019-250f7e9bff2a" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_DerivativeImpactonPerformanceTable_3444b8c6-389d-4a8c-89a2-098d72a9d11c" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_DerivativeImpactonPerformanceTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_asb_DerivativeImpactonPerformanceLineItems_4485418c-5a6c-42e4-804e-d804edd683df" xlink:to="loc_asb_DerivativeImpactonPerformanceTable_3444b8c6-389d-4a8c-89a2-098d72a9d11c" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_45b8ed5d-45ae-44fc-b0e1-a44685b6050f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_asb_DerivativeImpactonPerformanceTable_3444b8c6-389d-4a8c-89a2-098d72a9d11c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_45b8ed5d-45ae-44fc-b0e1-a44685b6050f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_45b8ed5d-45ae-44fc-b0e1-a44685b6050f_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_45b8ed5d-45ae-44fc-b0e1-a44685b6050f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_45b8ed5d-45ae-44fc-b0e1-a44685b6050f_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_794b3a8b-9829-429e-9cc9-aed76ecb5179" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_45b8ed5d-45ae-44fc-b0e1-a44685b6050f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_794b3a8b-9829-429e-9cc9-aed76ecb5179" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_CapitalMarketFeesMember_919a2dfe-179f-40ce-bb41-9b328d90ed97" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_CapitalMarketFeesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_794b3a8b-9829-429e-9cc9-aed76ecb5179" xlink:to="loc_asb_CapitalMarketFeesMember_919a2dfe-179f-40ce-bb41-9b328d90ed97" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBankingMember_78454adc-ab10-4c99-a2ac-9e10ce96fb48" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBankingMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_794b3a8b-9829-429e-9cc9-aed76ecb5179" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBankingMember_78454adc-ab10-4c99-a2ac-9e10ce96fb48" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_5ec34eee-e0f0-4e47-a087-d984a6b198c7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_asb_DerivativeImpactonPerformanceTable_3444b8c6-389d-4a8c-89a2-098d72a9d11c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_5ec34eee-e0f0-4e47-a087-d984a6b198c7" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_5ec34eee-e0f0-4e47-a087-d984a6b198c7_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_5ec34eee-e0f0-4e47-a087-d984a6b198c7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_5ec34eee-e0f0-4e47-a087-d984a6b198c7_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_f5eda467-afab-4a32-b8dd-5faf7bd09e02" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_5ec34eee-e0f0-4e47-a087-d984a6b198c7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_f5eda467-afab-4a32-b8dd-5faf7bd09e02" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_InterestRateRelatedInstrumentsCustomerAndMirrorMember_5697f9a2-5dab-4d45-b1c8-1421b13c8ecb" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_InterestRateRelatedInstrumentsCustomerAndMirrorMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_f5eda467-afab-4a32-b8dd-5faf7bd09e02" xlink:to="loc_asb_InterestRateRelatedInstrumentsCustomerAndMirrorMember_5697f9a2-5dab-4d45-b1c8-1421b13c8ecb" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_InterestRateRelatedInstrumentsMSRsHedgeMember_b52e5fd3-ca38-4ad4-b2d3-ad85ccf446be" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_InterestRateRelatedInstrumentsMSRsHedgeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_f5eda467-afab-4a32-b8dd-5faf7bd09e02" xlink:to="loc_asb_InterestRateRelatedInstrumentsMSRsHedgeMember_b52e5fd3-ca38-4ad4-b2d3-ad85ccf446be" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember_b0998652-5578-4f53-b537-f73d3ec84c62" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_f5eda467-afab-4a32-b8dd-5faf7bd09e02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember_b0998652-5578-4f53-b537-f73d3ec84c62" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember_cfbb1e76-23d4-4849-ab7f-2d6c03122535" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_f5eda467-afab-4a32-b8dd-5faf7bd09e02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember_cfbb1e76-23d4-4849-ab7f-2d6c03122535" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember_d1eb4ee1-f33d-45f7-9fee-121c84ca4d7b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_f5eda467-afab-4a32-b8dd-5faf7bd09e02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember_d1eb4ee1-f33d-45f7-9fee-121c84ca4d7b" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommodityContractMember_51b90f7a-6644-4960-a0e6-e3a30afad887" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommodityContractMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_f5eda467-afab-4a32-b8dd-5faf7bd09e02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommodityContractMember_51b90f7a-6644-4960-a0e6-e3a30afad887" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_0673a4cd-0203-4436-9468-bbc10b42db83" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_asb_DerivativeImpactonPerformanceTable_3444b8c6-389d-4a8c-89a2-098d72a9d11c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_0673a4cd-0203-4436-9468-bbc10b42db83" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_0673a4cd-0203-4436-9468-bbc10b42db83_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_0673a4cd-0203-4436-9468-bbc10b42db83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_0673a4cd-0203-4436-9468-bbc10b42db83_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_ef4662e5-5c2d-4bf2-9932-227761a67d25" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_0673a4cd-0203-4436-9468-bbc10b42db83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_ef4662e5-5c2d-4bf2-9932-227761a67d25" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember_eb4cfb4b-baa7-4b3b-9d4f-4e27f10e6511" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_ef4662e5-5c2d-4bf2-9932-227761a67d25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember_eb4cfb4b-baa7-4b3b-9d4f-4e27f10e6511" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_InterestRateRelatedInstrumentsCustomerAndMirrorMember_aa7da24b-985b-4e09-9b92-7c27bd9122ea" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_InterestRateRelatedInstrumentsCustomerAndMirrorMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_ef4662e5-5c2d-4bf2-9932-227761a67d25" xlink:to="loc_asb_InterestRateRelatedInstrumentsCustomerAndMirrorMember_aa7da24b-985b-4e09-9b92-7c27bd9122ea" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_58a82ac7-7cc5-4161-99fc-edc014e9b05f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_asb_DerivativeImpactonPerformanceTable_3444b8c6-389d-4a8c-89a2-098d72a9d11c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_58a82ac7-7cc5-4161-99fc-edc014e9b05f" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_58a82ac7-7cc5-4161-99fc-edc014e9b05f_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_58a82ac7-7cc5-4161-99fc-edc014e9b05f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_58a82ac7-7cc5-4161-99fc-edc014e9b05f_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_d0f10320-81fb-445e-a344-90ab9853fd2e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_58a82ac7-7cc5-4161-99fc-edc014e9b05f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_d0f10320-81fb-445e-a344-90ab9853fd2e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_43df0874-9116-4ad3-b8dd-c51318bd4bcd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_d0f10320-81fb-445e-a344-90ab9853fd2e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_43df0874-9116-4ad3-b8dd-c51318bd4bcd" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_f1eb6fae-98af-4e77-b25b-18a9eb1a555f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_asb_DerivativeImpactonPerformanceTable_3444b8c6-389d-4a8c-89a2-098d72a9d11c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_f1eb6fae-98af-4e77-b25b-18a9eb1a555f" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_f1eb6fae-98af-4e77-b25b-18a9eb1a555f_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_f1eb6fae-98af-4e77-b25b-18a9eb1a555f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_f1eb6fae-98af-4e77-b25b-18a9eb1a555f_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_dd9bce44-734d-470a-bf2f-fec8522354c8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_f1eb6fae-98af-4e77-b25b-18a9eb1a555f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_dd9bce44-734d-470a-bf2f-fec8522354c8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_a3dfae55-fc89-4168-a6d5-68e3c546e06f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_dd9bce44-734d-470a-bf2f-fec8522354c8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_a3dfae55-fc89-4168-a6d5-68e3c546e06f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_24f64741-8649-42d2-9c52-0958c56d838a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_asb_DerivativeImpactonPerformanceTable_3444b8c6-389d-4a8c-89a2-098d72a9d11c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_24f64741-8649-42d2-9c52-0958c56d838a" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_24f64741-8649-42d2-9c52-0958c56d838a_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_24f64741-8649-42d2-9c52-0958c56d838a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_24f64741-8649-42d2-9c52-0958c56d838a_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_9fc00aa4-89ec-4235-ac98-2b94b3fd22a5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_24f64741-8649-42d2-9c52-0958c56d838a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_9fc00aa4-89ec-4235-ac98-2b94b3fd22a5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember_eb608c25-051d-459a-b631-fb301b4c1ac7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_9fc00aa4-89ec-4235-ac98-2b94b3fd22a5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember_eb608c25-051d-459a-b631-fb301b4c1ac7" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMember_072f9488-a9e3-40c1-84a6-44f0bdca17cf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_9fc00aa4-89ec-4235-ac98-2b94b3fd22a5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMember_072f9488-a9e3-40c1-84a6-44f0bdca17cf" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_80b6538a-4ea5-4a54-bc8e-7d068a64b746" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_asb_DerivativeImpactonPerformanceTable_3444b8c6-389d-4a8c-89a2-098d72a9d11c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_80b6538a-4ea5-4a54-bc8e-7d068a64b746" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_80b6538a-4ea5-4a54-bc8e-7d068a64b746_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_80b6538a-4ea5-4a54-bc8e-7d068a64b746" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_80b6538a-4ea5-4a54-bc8e-7d068a64b746_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_07b4d0cc-8cb3-407b-b507-b1fc42a1ee84" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_80b6538a-4ea5-4a54-bc8e-7d068a64b746" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_07b4d0cc-8cb3-407b-b507-b1fc42a1ee84" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_eb250131-5cf1-44df-bdf6-02ec2dd37b78" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NondesignatedMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_07b4d0cc-8cb3-407b-b507-b1fc42a1ee84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_eb250131-5cf1-44df-bdf6-02ec2dd37b78" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember_f2a49b39-67ab-499b-b3a7-141e041129ab" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_07b4d0cc-8cb3-407b-b507-b1fc42a1ee84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember_f2a49b39-67ab-499b-b3a7-141e041129ab" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/BalanceSheetOffsettingDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#BalanceSheetOffsettingDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/BalanceSheetOffsettingDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i7445b5e067784e248d3a2320e893fdb5_BalanceSheetOffsettingDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsLineItems_71db9000-5b5f-431d-b1f9-0eec698c423d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingDerivativeAssetsAbstract_349a1c13-54c8-4b7d-aa84-e9dc35385cb2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OffsettingDerivativeAssetsAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsLineItems_71db9000-5b5f-431d-b1f9-0eec698c423d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingDerivativeAssetsAbstract_349a1c13-54c8-4b7d-aa84-e9dc35385cb2" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossAssetSubjecttoMasterNettingArrangement_53b6d6bf-7870-42de-88f9-26902e1e71a0" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossAssetSubjecttoMasterNettingArrangement"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingDerivativeAssetsAbstract_349a1c13-54c8-4b7d-aa84-e9dc35385cb2" xlink:to="loc_asb_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossAssetSubjecttoMasterNettingArrangement_53b6d6bf-7870-42de-88f9-26902e1e71a0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiability_8f1a328d-128f-4bae-aa64-94b1ceb8084a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiability"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingDerivativeAssetsAbstract_349a1c13-54c8-4b7d-aa84-e9dc35385cb2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiability_8f1a328d-128f-4bae-aa64-94b1ceb8084a" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetCollateralObligationToReturnCashOffset_b9f0cc9c-7f0c-4890-9435-9ec96f46e461" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetCollateralObligationToReturnCashOffset"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingDerivativeAssetsAbstract_349a1c13-54c8-4b7d-aa84-e9dc35385cb2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetCollateralObligationToReturnCashOffset_b9f0cc9c-7f0c-4890-9435-9ec96f46e461" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_9a271fd1-c587-4c9d-a958-7b3a5b8db773" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingDerivativeAssetsAbstract_349a1c13-54c8-4b7d-aa84-e9dc35385cb2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_9a271fd1-c587-4c9d-a958-7b3a5b8db773" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsTable_20dd0b55-e63b-4279-8c14-aff546a4a615" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsLineItems_71db9000-5b5f-431d-b1f9-0eec698c423d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsTable_20dd0b55-e63b-4279-8c14-aff546a4a615" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_f2d0e4ca-c30c-4e58-97f1-634c2122b206" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingAssetsTable_20dd0b55-e63b-4279-8c14-aff546a4a615" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_f2d0e4ca-c30c-4e58-97f1-634c2122b206" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_f2d0e4ca-c30c-4e58-97f1-634c2122b206_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_f2d0e4ca-c30c-4e58-97f1-634c2122b206" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_f2d0e4ca-c30c-4e58-97f1-634c2122b206_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_56bec285-fcbf-4eb2-9f35-6a2ab57c255a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_f2d0e4ca-c30c-4e58-97f1-634c2122b206" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_56bec285-fcbf-4eb2-9f35-6a2ab57c255a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember_e7838992-ff7d-4e7e-bbf5-8499949e5cca" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_56bec285-fcbf-4eb2-9f35-6a2ab57c255a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember_e7838992-ff7d-4e7e-bbf5-8499949e5cca" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingLiabilitiesLineItems_7d8a7b60-27be-4ef4-af88-327890887856" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OffsettingLiabilitiesLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingDerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract_f305bbf8-3791-46d4-a064-f7ea998c3d74" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OffsettingDerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingLiabilitiesLineItems_7d8a7b60-27be-4ef4-af88-327890887856" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingDerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract_f305bbf8-3791-46d4-a064-f7ea998c3d74" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossLiabilitySubjecttoMasterNettingArrangement_299dad18-2f76-4cbe-9b10-a525632df9b9" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossLiabilitySubjecttoMasterNettingArrangement"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingDerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract_f305bbf8-3791-46d4-a064-f7ea998c3d74" xlink:to="loc_asb_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossLiabilitySubjecttoMasterNettingArrangement_299dad18-2f76-4cbe-9b10-a525632df9b9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset_7e1b675d-2129-4bfd-97ea-a0399d1e63e3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingDerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract_f305bbf8-3791-46d4-a064-f7ea998c3d74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset_7e1b675d-2129-4bfd-97ea-a0399d1e63e3" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityCollateralRightToReclaimCashOffset_55b3620b-0c32-44d0-9abc-b1fb9808f4fb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityCollateralRightToReclaimCashOffset"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingDerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract_f305bbf8-3791-46d4-a064-f7ea998c3d74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityCollateralRightToReclaimCashOffset_55b3620b-0c32-44d0-9abc-b1fb9808f4fb" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_dd08cbef-6976-4d2b-ad2b-a5a3f8283205" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingDerivativeLiabilitiesAbstract_f305bbf8-3791-46d4-a064-f7ea998c3d74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_dd08cbef-6976-4d2b-ad2b-a5a3f8283205" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingLiabilitiesTable_c5883725-3f15-479d-b160-50a464ecdce9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OffsettingLiabilitiesTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingLiabilitiesLineItems_7d8a7b60-27be-4ef4-af88-327890887856" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingLiabilitiesTable_c5883725-3f15-479d-b160-50a464ecdce9" xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_5d2c177f-0011-4de3-9faa-44391c4fb166" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffsettingLiabilitiesTable_c5883725-3f15-479d-b160-50a464ecdce9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_5d2c177f-0011-4de3-9faa-44391c4fb166" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_5d2c177f-0011-4de3-9faa-44391c4fb166_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_da89c6ec-295b-4b20-92a6-ad1d89521bff" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember_925ce1a9-8781-4c2f-a5fa-5f7842427a33" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/CommitmentsOffBalanceSheetArrangementsLegalProceedingsandRegulatoryMattersSummaryofLendingRelatedandOtherCommitmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#CommitmentsOffBalanceSheetArrangementsLegalProceedingsandRegulatoryMattersSummaryofLendingRelatedandOtherCommitmentsDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/CommitmentsOffBalanceSheetArrangementsLegalProceedingsandRegulatoryMattersSummaryofLendingRelatedandOtherCommitmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i37d81df367db487e83c11e621e3d9a22_CommitmentsOffBalanceSheetArrangementsLegalProceedingsandRegulatoryMattersSummaryofLendingRelatedandOtherCommitmentsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_ScheduleOfLendingRelatedAndOtherCommitmentsLineItems_e481c2ca-1cf1-4ab6-839f-495cceed4ecf" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_ScheduleOfLendingRelatedAndOtherCommitmentsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_LendingRelatedCommitments_7ae958cc-30ec-4c31-a06c-80f40f701b0b" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_LendingRelatedCommitments"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleOfLendingRelatedAndOtherCommitmentsLineItems_e481c2ca-1cf1-4ab6-839f-495cceed4ecf" xlink:to="loc_asb_LendingRelatedCommitments_7ae958cc-30ec-4c31-a06c-80f40f701b0b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LinesOfCreditFairValueDisclosure_468320ec-1b65-4dbe-aec7-8dc874bcbf08" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LinesOfCreditFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleOfLendingRelatedAndOtherCommitmentsLineItems_e481c2ca-1cf1-4ab6-839f-495cceed4ecf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LinesOfCreditFairValueDisclosure_468320ec-1b65-4dbe-aec7-8dc874bcbf08" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_ScheduleOfLendingRelatedAndOtherCommitmentsTable_506683a6-dc82-4b08-b20a-bcb4f7c995bf" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_ScheduleOfLendingRelatedAndOtherCommitmentsTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleOfLendingRelatedAndOtherCommitmentsLineItems_e481c2ca-1cf1-4ab6-839f-495cceed4ecf" xlink:to="loc_asb_ScheduleOfLendingRelatedAndOtherCommitmentsTable_506683a6-dc82-4b08-b20a-bcb4f7c995bf" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_LendingRelatedCommitmentsByTypeAxis_1de6dc37-d122-4af1-9edc-213f09143254" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_LendingRelatedCommitmentsByTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_asb_ScheduleOfLendingRelatedAndOtherCommitmentsTable_506683a6-dc82-4b08-b20a-bcb4f7c995bf" xlink:to="loc_asb_LendingRelatedCommitmentsByTypeAxis_1de6dc37-d122-4af1-9edc-213f09143254" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_LendingRelatedCommitmentsByTypeDomain_1de6dc37-d122-4af1-9edc-213f09143254_default" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_LendingRelatedCommitmentsByTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_asb_LendingRelatedCommitmentsByTypeAxis_1de6dc37-d122-4af1-9edc-213f09143254" xlink:to="loc_asb_LendingRelatedCommitmentsByTypeDomain_1de6dc37-d122-4af1-9edc-213f09143254_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_LendingRelatedCommitmentsByTypeDomain_958dd434-0906-487f-90b7-7921914e5e4e" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_LendingRelatedCommitmentsByTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_asb_LendingRelatedCommitmentsByTypeAxis_1de6dc37-d122-4af1-9edc-213f09143254" xlink:to="loc_asb_LendingRelatedCommitmentsByTypeDomain_958dd434-0906-487f-90b7-7921914e5e4e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsToExtendCreditMember_f8af63c6-500a-4ea9-876e-ee92cae29ded" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsToExtendCreditMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_asb_LendingRelatedCommitmentsByTypeAxis_1de6dc37-d122-4af1-9edc-213f09143254" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsToExtendCreditMember_f8af63c6-500a-4ea9-876e-ee92cae29ded" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_28ec560e-f44e-4f28-88de-ef91bdd26866" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_asb_LendingRelatedCommitmentsByTypeAxis_1de6dc37-d122-4af1-9edc-213f09143254" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_28ec560e-f44e-4f28-88de-ef91bdd26866" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StandbyLettersOfCreditMember_340b1fcf-0b20-4f1f-ab05-6a26534a7693" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StandbyLettersOfCreditMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_asb_LendingRelatedCommitmentsByTypeAxis_1de6dc37-d122-4af1-9edc-213f09143254" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StandbyLettersOfCreditMember_340b1fcf-0b20-4f1f-ab05-6a26534a7693" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/CommitmentChangesintheAllowanceforUnfundedCommitmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#CommitmentChangesintheAllowanceforUnfundedCommitmentsDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/CommitmentChangesintheAllowanceforUnfundedCommitmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i0586d4fc055a4209a932abe7685459ba_CommitmentChangesintheAllowanceforUnfundedCommitmentsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_4297725a-b213-4bf9-ba29-f7030b25bb1a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiabilityRollforward_1d43e481-aa52-4473-86d9-be1f34b45ebb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiabilityRollforward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_4297725a-b213-4bf9-ba29-f7030b25bb1a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiabilityRollforward_1d43e481-aa52-4473-86d9-be1f34b45ebb" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiability_8af1abee-3fb7-4a09-957d-28da2c0cfe33" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiability"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiabilityRollforward_1d43e481-aa52-4473-86d9-be1f34b45ebb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiability_8af1abee-3fb7-4a09-957d-28da2c0cfe33" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiability_4316d1f2-ed56-4c5d-9440-fb05dcbb2b7d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiability"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiabilityCreditLossExpenseReversal_6771cd55-fe7a-4c23-b3a2-d41ef769558d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiabilityCreditLossExpenseReversal"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiabilityRollforward_1d43e481-aa52-4473-86d9-be1f34b45ebb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiabilityCreditLossExpenseReversal_6771cd55-fe7a-4c23-b3a2-d41ef769558d" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiability_e55839b3-ea4b-4b60-9569-0574b3b08f33" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiability"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable_9df86b23-572e-4c32-bcab-cad40066e671" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems_4297725a-b213-4bf9-ba29-f7030b25bb1a" xlink:to="loc_srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable_9df86b23-572e-4c32-bcab-cad40066e671" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/CommitmentsOffBalanceSheetArrangementsLegalProceedingsandRegulatoryMattersDetailsTextuals" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#CommitmentsOffBalanceSheetArrangementsLegalProceedingsandRegulatoryMattersDetailsTextuals"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/CommitmentsOffBalanceSheetArrangementsLegalProceedingsandRegulatoryMattersDetailsTextuals" xlink:type="extended" id="ia4d648be1dc04130a7bcc867e97abfba_CommitmentsOffBalanceSheetArrangementsLegalProceedingsandRegulatoryMattersDetailsTextuals">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_CommitmentsoffbalancesheetarrangementsandcontingentliabilitiestextualsLineItems_cca6ce71-721a-4b32-866e-cac1aa10e4d1" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_CommitmentsoffbalancesheetarrangementsandcontingentliabilitiestextualsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherInvestments_0250bced-f2f0-4669-a591-378a52451ac8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherInvestments"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_CommitmentsoffbalancesheetarrangementsandcontingentliabilitiestextualsLineItems_cca6ce71-721a-4b32-866e-cac1aa10e4d1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherInvestments_0250bced-f2f0-4669-a591-378a52451ac8" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationMethodQualifiedAffordableHousingProjectInvestmentsAmortization_d00d6f5a-7b5f-434d-bae6-2cacba1108a7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationMethodQualifiedAffordableHousingProjectInvestmentsAmortization"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_CommitmentsoffbalancesheetarrangementsandcontingentliabilitiestextualsLineItems_cca6ce71-721a-4b32-866e-cac1aa10e4d1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationMethodQualifiedAffordableHousingProjectInvestmentsAmortization_d00d6f5a-7b5f-434d-bae6-2cacba1108a7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_RemainingInvestmentinQualifiedAffordableHousingProjects_9181afbb-fdba-48d9-acf7-fe4812f5a6e3" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_RemainingInvestmentinQualifiedAffordableHousingProjects"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_CommitmentsoffbalancesheetarrangementsandcontingentliabilitiestextualsLineItems_cca6ce71-721a-4b32-866e-cac1aa10e4d1" xlink:to="loc_asb_RemainingInvestmentinQualifiedAffordableHousingProjects_9181afbb-fdba-48d9-acf7-fe4812f5a6e3" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_VariableInterestEntityReportingEntityInvolvementUnfundedObligationAmount_2f6b1e83-948c-4927-9571-8be115838f7f" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_VariableInterestEntityReportingEntityInvolvementUnfundedObligationAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_CommitmentsoffbalancesheetarrangementsandcontingentliabilitiestextualsLineItems_cca6ce71-721a-4b32-866e-cac1aa10e4d1" xlink:to="loc_asb_VariableInterestEntityReportingEntityInvolvementUnfundedObligationAmount_2f6b1e83-948c-4927-9571-8be115838f7f" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AffordableHousingProjectInvestmentWriteDownAmount_789188d9-7741-4c28-a66f-d53e988b72bb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AffordableHousingProjectInvestmentWriteDownAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_CommitmentsoffbalancesheetarrangementsandcontingentliabilitiestextualsLineItems_cca6ce71-721a-4b32-866e-cac1aa10e4d1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AffordableHousingProjectInvestmentWriteDownAmount_789188d9-7741-4c28-a66f-d53e988b72bb" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_LoansRepurchasedUnderMakeWholeRequests_849212a1-867a-4f7d-8b3b-4f735ae950ad" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_LoansRepurchasedUnderMakeWholeRequests"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_CommitmentsoffbalancesheetarrangementsandcontingentliabilitiestextualsLineItems_cca6ce71-721a-4b32-866e-cac1aa10e4d1" xlink:to="loc_asb_LoansRepurchasedUnderMakeWholeRequests_849212a1-867a-4f7d-8b3b-4f735ae950ad" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_LoansSoldToOutsideInvestorsLossReimbursementSettlementPaid_5681666a-a8df-4d5e-a9da-84cad10a86a9" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_LoansSoldToOutsideInvestorsLossReimbursementSettlementPaid"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_CommitmentsoffbalancesheetarrangementsandcontingentliabilitiestextualsLineItems_cca6ce71-721a-4b32-866e-cac1aa10e4d1" xlink:to="loc_asb_LoansSoldToOutsideInvestorsLossReimbursementSettlementPaid_5681666a-a8df-4d5e-a9da-84cad10a86a9" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_LoansSoldToOutsideInvestorsOriginalAmount_f4ee86b2-36d3-44cc-bdcf-7053dab7f112" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_LoansSoldToOutsideInvestorsOriginalAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_CommitmentsoffbalancesheetarrangementsandcontingentliabilitiestextualsLineItems_cca6ce71-721a-4b32-866e-cac1aa10e4d1" xlink:to="loc_asb_LoansSoldToOutsideInvestorsOriginalAmount_f4ee86b2-36d3-44cc-bdcf-7053dab7f112" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_LoansSoldToOutsideInvestorsRemainingOutstandingAmount_913a61fb-cd70-4304-853e-c630edec76a0" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_LoansSoldToOutsideInvestorsRemainingOutstandingAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_CommitmentsoffbalancesheetarrangementsandcontingentliabilitiestextualsLineItems_cca6ce71-721a-4b32-866e-cac1aa10e4d1" xlink:to="loc_asb_LoansSoldToOutsideInvestorsRemainingOutstandingAmount_913a61fb-cd70-4304-853e-c630edec76a0" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_MortgageRepurchaseReserve_1cb819a6-ac36-439a-a9ce-b281fa258fe7" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_MortgageRepurchaseReserve"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_CommitmentsoffbalancesheetarrangementsandcontingentliabilitiestextualsLineItems_cca6ce71-721a-4b32-866e-cac1aa10e4d1" xlink:to="loc_asb_MortgageRepurchaseReserve_1cb819a6-ac36-439a-a9ce-b281fa258fe7" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_ResidentialMortgageLoansSoldWithRecourseRisk_53a77a24-6edc-4c7d-b992-6ce27802d011" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_ResidentialMortgageLoansSoldWithRecourseRisk"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_CommitmentsoffbalancesheetarrangementsandcontingentliabilitiestextualsLineItems_cca6ce71-721a-4b32-866e-cac1aa10e4d1" xlink:to="loc_asb_ResidentialMortgageLoansSoldWithRecourseRisk_53a77a24-6edc-4c7d-b992-6ce27802d011" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_ResidentialMortgageLoansSoldWithCreditRecourseRisk_a3b70c4b-d9f2-46f7-b155-c51fb1568b57" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_ResidentialMortgageLoansSoldWithCreditRecourseRisk"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_CommitmentsoffbalancesheetarrangementsandcontingentliabilitiestextualsLineItems_cca6ce71-721a-4b32-866e-cac1aa10e4d1" xlink:to="loc_asb_ResidentialMortgageLoansSoldWithCreditRecourseRisk_a3b70c4b-d9f2-46f7-b155-c51fb1568b57" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_ResidentialMortgageLoansWithCreditRiskRecourseHistoricalLosses_0e73352c-2102-476c-9336-011ea222ef7b" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_ResidentialMortgageLoansWithCreditRiskRecourseHistoricalLosses"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_CommitmentsoffbalancesheetarrangementsandcontingentliabilitiestextualsLineItems_cca6ce71-721a-4b32-866e-cac1aa10e4d1" xlink:to="loc_asb_ResidentialMortgageLoansWithCreditRiskRecourseHistoricalLosses_0e73352c-2102-476c-9336-011ea222ef7b" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_CommitmentsOffBalanceSheetArrangementsAndContingentLiabilitiesTable_4c7e4fc4-3c99-470a-8787-e1435e30b2b2" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_CommitmentsOffBalanceSheetArrangementsAndContingentLiabilitiesTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_asb_CommitmentsoffbalancesheetarrangementsandcontingentliabilitiestextualsLineItems_cca6ce71-721a-4b32-866e-cac1aa10e4d1" xlink:to="loc_asb_CommitmentsOffBalanceSheetArrangementsAndContingentLiabilitiesTable_4c7e4fc4-3c99-470a-8787-e1435e30b2b2" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentSecondaryCategorizationAxis_71a9aa4b-d70c-47b5-bfeb-686559851c64" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentSecondaryCategorizationAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_asb_CommitmentsOffBalanceSheetArrangementsAndContingentLiabilitiesTable_4c7e4fc4-3c99-470a-8787-e1435e30b2b2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentSecondaryCategorizationAxis_71a9aa4b-d70c-47b5-bfeb-686559851c64" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain_71a9aa4b-d70c-47b5-bfeb-686559851c64_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentSecondaryCategorizationAxis_71a9aa4b-d70c-47b5-bfeb-686559851c64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain_71a9aa4b-d70c-47b5-bfeb-686559851c64_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain_b1f91ea9-a539-4c2f-8d5f-c2c586e1dd1b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentSecondaryCategorizationAxis_71a9aa4b-d70c-47b5-bfeb-686559851c64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain_b1f91ea9-a539-4c2f-8d5f-c2c586e1dd1b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_UnconsolidatedProjectsLowIncomeHousingMember_2f9da355-c310-4943-9e93-399c2d1426e2" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_UnconsolidatedProjectsLowIncomeHousingMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain_b1f91ea9-a539-4c2f-8d5f-c2c586e1dd1b" xlink:to="loc_asb_UnconsolidatedProjectsLowIncomeHousingMember_2f9da355-c310-4943-9e93-399c2d1426e2" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_PrincipalInvestmentCommitmentMember_e574d1b8-9b11-4ea6-b4fd-6ca9aabd758f" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_PrincipalInvestmentCommitmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain_b1f91ea9-a539-4c2f-8d5f-c2c586e1dd1b" xlink:to="loc_asb_PrincipalInvestmentCommitmentMember_e574d1b8-9b11-4ea6-b4fd-6ca9aabd758f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsAssetsandLiabilitiesMeasuredatFairValueonaRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsAssetsandLiabilitiesMeasuredatFairValueonaRecurringBasisDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsAssetsandLiabilitiesMeasuredatFairValueonaRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="ie1e77a1850d746a896cbf554a42c342c_FairValueMeasurementsAssetsandLiabilitiesMeasuredatFairValueonaRecurringBasisDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_00ee5dfc-b899-410c-bb7e-ca0092d744f8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_da58d35c-b165-4e48-b885-783b1e473acc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_00ee5dfc-b899-410c-bb7e-ca0092d744f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_da58d35c-b165-4e48-b885-783b1e473acc" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_fa84b6aa-de0b-43d0-a2db-a5ec2c439fb5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_da58d35c-b165-4e48-b885-783b1e473acc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_fa84b6aa-de0b-43d0-a2db-a5ec2c439fb5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi_f5d785da-b231-4083-89e6-bb715060f236" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_da58d35c-b165-4e48-b885-783b1e473acc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi_f5d785da-b231-4083-89e6-bb715060f236" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_b6e62964-de40-45ca-a14f-8e8510b4fffb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_da58d35c-b165-4e48-b885-783b1e473acc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_b6e62964-de40-45ca-a14f-8e8510b4fffb" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtFairValueAmount_981462f9-b50e-4b93-8676-9d8887cc4d12" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtFairValueAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_da58d35c-b165-4e48-b885-783b1e473acc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtFairValueAmount_981462f9-b50e-4b93-8676-9d8887cc4d12" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_4837a7fd-17a5-4edf-bb49-97819541b103" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_00ee5dfc-b899-410c-bb7e-ca0092d744f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_4837a7fd-17a5-4edf-bb49-97819541b103" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateFairValueHedgeLiabilityAtFairValue_2e6b629b-84ec-47c3-a851-e0fd60a80d20" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateFairValueHedgeLiabilityAtFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_4837a7fd-17a5-4edf-bb49-97819541b103" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateFairValueHedgeLiabilityAtFairValue_2e6b629b-84ec-47c3-a851-e0fd60a80d20" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_6b45d8f2-a041-4a26-b8ad-919daca24a2d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_4837a7fd-17a5-4edf-bb49-97819541b103" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_6b45d8f2-a041-4a26-b8ad-919daca24a2d" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_6c8afb77-505c-48bf-872b-279a492ac84b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_00ee5dfc-b899-410c-bb7e-ca0092d744f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_6c8afb77-505c-48bf-872b-279a492ac84b" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_3fa58c04-4159-4298-acca-770851710f8a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_6c8afb77-505c-48bf-872b-279a492ac84b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_3fa58c04-4159-4298-acca-770851710f8a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_3fa58c04-4159-4298-acca-770851710f8a_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_3fa58c04-4159-4298-acca-770851710f8a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_3fa58c04-4159-4298-acca-770851710f8a_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_e10edaa4-48e1-44b2-b15f-e861b9153db6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_3fa58c04-4159-4298-acca-770851710f8a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_e10edaa4-48e1-44b2-b15f-e861b9153db6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_f01a49ca-5397-49ac-825f-864465de231b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_e10edaa4-48e1-44b2-b15f-e861b9153db6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_f01a49ca-5397-49ac-825f-864465de231b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AgencySecuritiesMember_bf58781d-1b7b-47d0-97e9-3320a7f4e045" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AgencySecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_e10edaa4-48e1-44b2-b15f-e861b9153db6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AgencySecuritiesMember_bf58781d-1b7b-47d0-97e9-3320a7f4e045" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_007f26e6-35d6-414e-b516-1b56d19ce0f9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_e10edaa4-48e1-44b2-b15f-e861b9153db6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_007f26e6-35d6-414e-b516-1b56d19ce0f9" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_FNMAFHLMCMember_1d12a4ff-d756-4c52-859b-6c2139c5d8bd" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_FNMAFHLMCMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_e10edaa4-48e1-44b2-b15f-e861b9153db6" xlink:to="loc_asb_FNMAFHLMCMember_1d12a4ff-d756-4c52-859b-6c2139c5d8bd" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationGnmaInsuredLoansMember_82d3fd99-9da8-4521-b2e0-9b8c6ea9edd2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationGnmaInsuredLoansMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_e10edaa4-48e1-44b2-b15f-e861b9153db6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationGnmaInsuredLoansMember_82d3fd99-9da8-4521-b2e0-9b8c6ea9edd2" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember_03633f00-f13a-4738-8ca9-9310aef4ac51" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_e10edaa4-48e1-44b2-b15f-e861b9153db6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByPrivateEnterprisesMember_03633f00-f13a-4738-8ca9-9310aef4ac51" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_909e9abd-1be2-4259-97bc-bae2871bdd5a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_e10edaa4-48e1-44b2-b15f-e861b9153db6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_909e9abd-1be2-4259-97bc-bae2871bdd5a" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_e41191c9-b0bf-41a6-8da5-2471be0b3f22" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_e10edaa4-48e1-44b2-b15f-e861b9153db6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_e41191c9-b0bf-41a6-8da5-2471be0b3f22" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FederalFamilyEducationLoanProgramFfelpGuaranteedLoansMember_3c6b3df5-c628-4825-ae0e-4e171414f880" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FederalFamilyEducationLoanProgramFfelpGuaranteedLoansMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_e10edaa4-48e1-44b2-b15f-e861b9153db6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FederalFamilyEducationLoanProgramFfelpGuaranteedLoansMember_3c6b3df5-c628-4825-ae0e-4e171414f880" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesDebtSecuritiesMember_9009e71f-b18b-4e08-9db5-cd36e24851a0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesDebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_e10edaa4-48e1-44b2-b15f-e861b9153db6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesDebtSecuritiesMember_9009e71f-b18b-4e08-9db5-cd36e24851a0" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_da60b429-cc87-4e2b-aec8-386848345e2f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_e10edaa4-48e1-44b2-b15f-e861b9153db6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesMember_da60b429-cc87-4e2b-aec8-386848345e2f" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesMember_26c35215-1af1-43e8-bc16-bec0cc1ad4f0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_e10edaa4-48e1-44b2-b15f-e861b9153db6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesMember_26c35215-1af1-43e8-bc16-bec0cc1ad4f0" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAggregatedInvestmentsMember_27a52720-5744-46c1-9e31-eddb50bad79c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAggregatedInvestmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_e10edaa4-48e1-44b2-b15f-e861b9153db6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAggregatedInvestmentsMember_27a52720-5744-46c1-9e31-eddb50bad79c" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_ResidentialLoansHeldForSaleMemberMember_c1ad4128-7ddf-419e-8da9-a670b53a52f4" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_ResidentialLoansHeldForSaleMemberMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_e10edaa4-48e1-44b2-b15f-e861b9153db6" xlink:to="loc_asb_ResidentialLoansHeldForSaleMemberMember_c1ad4128-7ddf-419e-8da9-a670b53a52f4" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_InterestRateRelatedInstrumentsCustomerAndMirrorMember_5ebc01b9-8c85-4767-9c10-6771071ec604" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_InterestRateRelatedInstrumentsCustomerAndMirrorMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_e10edaa4-48e1-44b2-b15f-e861b9153db6" xlink:to="loc_asb_InterestRateRelatedInstrumentsCustomerAndMirrorMember_5ebc01b9-8c85-4767-9c10-6771071ec604" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember_ea71e5c8-87d4-4797-85f8-f4178557c457" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_e10edaa4-48e1-44b2-b15f-e861b9153db6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember_ea71e5c8-87d4-4797-85f8-f4178557c457" xlink:type="arc" order="15"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommodityContractMember_fc373d83-5c8d-4a5a-a648-c15bffa0c716" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommodityContractMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_e10edaa4-48e1-44b2-b15f-e861b9153db6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommodityContractMember_fc373d83-5c8d-4a5a-a648-c15bffa0c716" xlink:type="arc" order="16"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember_a962088a-fba2-490c-88c9-b19b005a4b43" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_e10edaa4-48e1-44b2-b15f-e861b9153db6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember_a962088a-fba2-490c-88c9-b19b005a4b43" xlink:type="arc" order="17"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_TBASecuritiesMember_7af13327-5c2d-4985-9b6b-b62cf4be9572" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_TBASecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_e10edaa4-48e1-44b2-b15f-e861b9153db6" xlink:to="loc_asb_TBASecuritiesMember_7af13327-5c2d-4985-9b6b-b62cf4be9572" xlink:type="arc" order="18"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesAxis_c08467e6-af48-49db-abea-8bc2ebcbe5b6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_6c8afb77-505c-48bf-872b-279a492ac84b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesAxis_c08467e6-af48-49db-abea-8bc2ebcbe5b6" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_c08467e6-af48-49db-abea-8bc2ebcbe5b6_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesAxis_c08467e6-af48-49db-abea-8bc2ebcbe5b6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_c08467e6-af48-49db-abea-8bc2ebcbe5b6_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_0bedc4b8-5a41-4055-ab9f-3b07691ab7d7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesAxis_c08467e6-af48-49db-abea-8bc2ebcbe5b6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_0bedc4b8-5a41-4055-ab9f-3b07691ab7d7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_FNMAFHLMCMember_5a75c9bc-6857-4832-abfe-21ea2d22c5c4" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_FNMAFHLMCMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_0bedc4b8-5a41-4055-ab9f-3b07691ab7d7" xlink:to="loc_asb_FNMAFHLMCMember_5a75c9bc-6857-4832-abfe-21ea2d22c5c4" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationGnmaInsuredLoansMember_041bda2f-3b48-453b-8390-510c40cccce0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationGnmaInsuredLoansMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LoansInsuredOrGuaranteedByGovernmentAuthoritiesDomain_0bedc4b8-5a41-4055-ab9f-3b07691ab7d7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GovernmentNationalMortgageAssociationGnmaInsuredLoansMember_041bda2f-3b48-453b-8390-510c40cccce0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_b7b689f2-7dec-41c7-b938-cdd4388b4c82" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_6c8afb77-505c-48bf-872b-279a492ac84b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_b7b689f2-7dec-41c7-b938-cdd4388b4c82" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_b7b689f2-7dec-41c7-b938-cdd4388b4c82_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_b7b689f2-7dec-41c7-b938-cdd4388b4c82" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_b7b689f2-7dec-41c7-b938-cdd4388b4c82_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_c02f0301-9241-43cf-b548-123e1952ec75" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_b7b689f2-7dec-41c7-b938-cdd4388b4c82" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_c02f0301-9241-43cf-b548-123e1952ec75" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_56591475-4487-4c36-90a8-558e643a517e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_c02f0301-9241-43cf-b548-123e1952ec75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_56591475-4487-4c36-90a8-558e643a517e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_c0634e9a-175f-477e-9a9a-7a803385ecec" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_6c8afb77-505c-48bf-872b-279a492ac84b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_c0634e9a-175f-477e-9a9a-7a803385ecec" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_c0634e9a-175f-477e-9a9a-7a803385ecec_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_c0634e9a-175f-477e-9a9a-7a803385ecec" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_c0634e9a-175f-477e-9a9a-7a803385ecec_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_fd22c860-4da2-47e9-82ce-b2712e39dd29" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_c0634e9a-175f-477e-9a9a-7a803385ecec" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_fd22c860-4da2-47e9-82ce-b2712e39dd29" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_48a6a7e0-b4a0-4df6-8068-c867251f957d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_fd22c860-4da2-47e9-82ce-b2712e39dd29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_48a6a7e0-b4a0-4df6-8068-c867251f957d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_0b097d43-7fa0-4fe3-9302-e63a8d5a95ba" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_fd22c860-4da2-47e9-82ce-b2712e39dd29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_0b097d43-7fa0-4fe3-9302-e63a8d5a95ba" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_edc71062-fb30-45ff-b88d-0d8d61bc6de9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_fd22c860-4da2-47e9-82ce-b2712e39dd29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_edc71062-fb30-45ff-b88d-0d8d61bc6de9" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_5f4ef9ac-52ce-4fa1-81a4-29e68b92f8a5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_6c8afb77-505c-48bf-872b-279a492ac84b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_5f4ef9ac-52ce-4fa1-81a4-29e68b92f8a5" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_5f4ef9ac-52ce-4fa1-81a4-29e68b92f8a5_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_5f4ef9ac-52ce-4fa1-81a4-29e68b92f8a5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_5f4ef9ac-52ce-4fa1-81a4-29e68b92f8a5_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_9f11fa71-6c27-4555-843b-7b8999bd8f5f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_5f4ef9ac-52ce-4fa1-81a4-29e68b92f8a5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_9f11fa71-6c27-4555-843b-7b8999bd8f5f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember_ad101822-f2ee-4989-84e0-6aaf4374bdb7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_9f11fa71-6c27-4555-843b-7b8999bd8f5f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember_ad101822-f2ee-4989-84e0-6aaf4374bdb7" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_26a62c53-24ad-4054-b6fc-7c262c6f1bf1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NondesignatedMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_9f11fa71-6c27-4555-843b-7b8999bd8f5f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_26a62c53-24ad-4054-b6fc-7c262c6f1bf1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFinancialInstrumentsClassifiedWithinLevel3Details" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsFinancialInstrumentsClassifiedWithinLevel3Details"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFinancialInstrumentsClassifiedWithinLevel3Details" xlink:type="extended" id="id6568d5e35f34592a823bfce8bfc42e4_FairValueMeasurementsFinancialInstrumentsClassifiedWithinLevel3Details">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_c7bc99eb-3b01-4110-b92a-8adca517b475" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward_cf4e291b-4558-4e24-86fb-fc3413e98afd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_c7bc99eb-3b01-4110-b92a-8adca517b475" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward_cf4e291b-4558-4e24-86fb-fc3413e98afd" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisWithUnobservableInputs_55a7695c-5c63-4a0a-8054-6f0136c70b43" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisWithUnobservableInputs"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward_cf4e291b-4558-4e24-86fb-fc3413e98afd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisWithUnobservableInputs_55a7695c-5c63-4a0a-8054-6f0136c70b43" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationPurchases_36153d57-541e-45e6-b9aa-e14852d200f5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationPurchases"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward_cf4e291b-4558-4e24-86fb-fc3413e98afd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationPurchases_36153d57-541e-45e6-b9aa-e14852d200f5" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationSettlements_dca151f5-c928-4604-94c4-bcbc6e7200cc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationSettlements"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward_cf4e291b-4558-4e24-86fb-fc3413e98afd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationSettlements_dca151f5-c928-4604-94c4-bcbc6e7200cc" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationGainLossIncludedInEarnings_57d17ac7-d07d-4896-bb8a-f75626c55cb5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationGainLossIncludedInEarnings"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward_cf4e291b-4558-4e24-86fb-fc3413e98afd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationGainLossIncludedInEarnings_57d17ac7-d07d-4896-bb8a-f75626c55cb5" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisDerivativeAssetsAndLiabilitiesNetMortgageDerivativeGainLossIncludedInEarnings_e78c5660-5fa6-4fb3-a213-b71b441e6287" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisDerivativeAssetsAndLiabilitiesNetMortgageDerivativeGainLossIncludedInEarnings"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationRollForward_cf4e291b-4558-4e24-86fb-fc3413e98afd" xlink:to="loc_asb_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisDerivativeAssetsAndLiabilitiesNetMortgageDerivativeGainLossIncludedInEarnings_e78c5660-5fa6-4fb3-a213-b71b441e6287" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisWithUnobservableInputs_19553f85-c335-4ba7-b02f-236ae016e538" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisWithUnobservableInputs"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_f4a8bb2c-34f5-4ff0-bde6-759d46c031f1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_c7bc99eb-3b01-4110-b92a-8adca517b475" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_f4a8bb2c-34f5-4ff0-bde6-759d46c031f1" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_dfa82bb9-4d2f-42f5-b817-c51c6fd43656" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_f4a8bb2c-34f5-4ff0-bde6-759d46c031f1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_dfa82bb9-4d2f-42f5-b817-c51c6fd43656" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_dfa82bb9-4d2f-42f5-b817-c51c6fd43656_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_dfa82bb9-4d2f-42f5-b817-c51c6fd43656" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_dfa82bb9-4d2f-42f5-b817-c51c6fd43656_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_3da97a46-dc48-4f43-9cfa-e9fbbe587c2a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_dfa82bb9-4d2f-42f5-b817-c51c6fd43656" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_3da97a46-dc48-4f43-9cfa-e9fbbe587c2a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember_11fa0c05-131d-4dcf-8581-3ce3e9e91511" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_3da97a46-dc48-4f43-9cfa-e9fbbe587c2a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssetsMember_11fa0c05-131d-4dcf-8581-3ce3e9e91511" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember_1d82f1c5-068d-4f42-a199-fd0dee01ee6f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_3da97a46-dc48-4f43-9cfa-e9fbbe587c2a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember_1d82f1c5-068d-4f42-a199-fd0dee01ee6f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeMember_e46e9f1b-8b5c-4a51-98a4-3f00f0700563" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_3da97a46-dc48-4f43-9cfa-e9fbbe587c2a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeMember_e46e9f1b-8b5c-4a51-98a4-3f00f0700563" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsEquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValuesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsEquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValuesDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsEquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValuesDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i3e87478d69a843b3aacd0c857ee5070b_FairValueMeasurementsEquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValuesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueLineItems_6bd12578-c245-4b66-8480-885ffd4894f5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueAmountRollForward_ec798f11-4d91-4c30-abcb-5e08973d0b8b" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueAmountRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueLineItems_6bd12578-c245-4b66-8480-885ffd4894f5" xlink:to="loc_asb_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueAmountRollForward_ec798f11-4d91-4c30-abcb-5e08973d0b8b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueAmount_85400964-98dd-4321-86f6-cab22a54f36f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueAmountRollForward_ec798f11-4d91-4c30-abcb-5e08973d0b8b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueAmount_85400964-98dd-4321-86f6-cab22a54f36f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueUpwardPriceAdjustmentAnnualAmount_b5eef223-4ea0-41ce-bbde-98a41b93df75" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueUpwardPriceAdjustmentAnnualAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueAmountRollForward_ec798f11-4d91-4c30-abcb-5e08973d0b8b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueUpwardPriceAdjustmentAnnualAmount_b5eef223-4ea0-41ce-bbde-98a41b93df75" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueAdditionsAnnualAmount_c7d39c51-47d2-4433-a635-dcd2c9021a12" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueAdditionsAnnualAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueAmountRollForward_ec798f11-4d91-4c30-abcb-5e08973d0b8b" xlink:to="loc_asb_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueAdditionsAnnualAmount_c7d39c51-47d2-4433-a635-dcd2c9021a12" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueSalesAnnualAmount_b14b5260-6f6b-4841-a462-6083ba0095b8" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueSalesAnnualAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueAmountRollForward_ec798f11-4d91-4c30-abcb-5e08973d0b8b" xlink:to="loc_asb_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueSalesAnnualAmount_b14b5260-6f6b-4841-a462-6083ba0095b8" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueAmount_2f46b12d-ec45-448f-9b1f-24e1cf2d39fc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueAmount"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueUpwardPriceAdjustmentCumulativeAmount_a209ede0-ba64-4bd1-92f2-948e1775bb43" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueUpwardPriceAdjustmentCumulativeAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueLineItems_6bd12578-c245-4b66-8480-885ffd4894f5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueUpwardPriceAdjustmentCumulativeAmount_a209ede0-ba64-4bd1-92f2-948e1775bb43" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueDownwardPriceAdjustmentCumulativeAmount_d6145f67-f319-4db5-ad4d-3e4be64195bb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueDownwardPriceAdjustmentCumulativeAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueLineItems_6bd12578-c245-4b66-8480-885ffd4894f5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueDownwardPriceAdjustmentCumulativeAmount_d6145f67-f319-4db5-ad4d-3e4be64195bb" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueTable_c9f0ae14-ea40-4a2b-a777-4a4dc4c79b0d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueLineItems_6bd12578-c245-4b66-8480-885ffd4894f5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueTable_c9f0ae14-ea40-4a2b-a777-4a4dc4c79b0d" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_12981d15-a744-49d6-a3ea-bfcbd000fb98" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueTable_c9f0ae14-ea40-4a2b-a777-4a4dc4c79b0d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_12981d15-a744-49d6-a3ea-bfcbd000fb98" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_12981d15-a744-49d6-a3ea-bfcbd000fb98_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_12981d15-a744-49d6-a3ea-bfcbd000fb98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_12981d15-a744-49d6-a3ea-bfcbd000fb98_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_af653cff-11ab-41e6-a75c-422611768fd9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_12981d15-a744-49d6-a3ea-bfcbd000fb98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_af653cff-11ab-41e6-a75c-422611768fd9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_ee62131a-1ddc-47fa-be15-583494573fd1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_af653cff-11ab-41e6-a75c-422611768fd9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_ee62131a-1ddc-47fa-be15-583494573fd1" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsAssetsandLiabilitiesMeasuredatFairValueonaNonrecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsAssetsandLiabilitiesMeasuredatFairValueonaNonrecurringBasisDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsAssetsandLiabilitiesMeasuredatFairValueonaNonrecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i3052224a68da45ccbeb1383ce58b4eec_FairValueMeasurementsAssetsandLiabilitiesMeasuredatFairValueonaNonrecurringBasisDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_1642a384-eadf-452a-809b-32d769a80ad9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisAbstract_41528928-e5ce-4bbc-83ff-c0713e8b8a82" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_1642a384-eadf-452a-809b-32d769a80ad9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisAbstract_41528928-e5ce-4bbc-83ff-c0713e8b8a82" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure_9e598c0e-23fe-4879-bbb8-cabf82646004" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisAbstract_41528928-e5ce-4bbc-83ff-c0713e8b8a82" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure_9e598c0e-23fe-4879-bbb8-cabf82646004" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses_47750cc9-0049-418e-941e-045f582238dd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisAbstract_41528928-e5ce-4bbc-83ff-c0713e8b8a82" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses_47750cc9-0049-418e-941e-045f582238dd" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SECScheduleIIIRealEstateWritedownOrReserveAmount_b4394ad3-15f7-4bb1-be96-7ef5478619bd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SECScheduleIIIRealEstateWritedownOrReserveAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisAbstract_41528928-e5ce-4bbc-83ff-c0713e8b8a82" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SECScheduleIIIRealEstateWritedownOrReserveAmount_b4394ad3-15f7-4bb1-be96-7ef5478619bd" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_OtherRealEstateOwnedFairValueDisclosure_507d78ed-d1d2-4f58-a156-c32bed8de317" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_OtherRealEstateOwnedFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisAbstract_41528928-e5ce-4bbc-83ff-c0713e8b8a82" xlink:to="loc_asb_OtherRealEstateOwnedFairValueDisclosure_507d78ed-d1d2-4f58-a156-c32bed8de317" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueUpwardPriceAdjustmentAnnualAmount_027a189b-5483-422b-9f46-672e3acc06c3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueUpwardPriceAdjustmentAnnualAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisAbstract_41528928-e5ce-4bbc-83ff-c0713e8b8a82" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueUpwardPriceAdjustmentAnnualAmount_027a189b-5483-422b-9f46-672e3acc06c3" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure_f212c178-5704-45ba-b165-c88f3785035d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisAbstract_41528928-e5ce-4bbc-83ff-c0713e8b8a82" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure_f212c178-5704-45ba-b165-c88f3785035d" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageServicingRightsMSRImpairmentRecovery_910d7536-2d65-4af1-880e-02fdf7974b37" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageServicingRightsMSRImpairmentRecovery"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisAbstract_41528928-e5ce-4bbc-83ff-c0713e8b8a82" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageServicingRightsMSRImpairmentRecovery_910d7536-2d65-4af1-880e-02fdf7974b37" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValueFairValue_a72a898f-5293-4799-bc96-da273fec8611" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValueFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisAbstract_41528928-e5ce-4bbc-83ff-c0713e8b8a82" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValueFairValue_a72a898f-5293-4799-bc96-da273fec8611" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestment_d34eb629-6515-4a54-826a-8a7f6a073246" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestment"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisAbstract_41528928-e5ce-4bbc-83ff-c0713e8b8a82" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestment_d34eb629-6515-4a54-826a-8a7f6a073246" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_52abc409-e2b0-4794-8b6f-fd48ffe53d3d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_1642a384-eadf-452a-809b-32d769a80ad9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_52abc409-e2b0-4794-8b6f-fd48ffe53d3d" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_4e65629a-7071-497e-b39a-7732c54a43c2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_52abc409-e2b0-4794-8b6f-fd48ffe53d3d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_4e65629a-7071-497e-b39a-7732c54a43c2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_4e65629a-7071-497e-b39a-7732c54a43c2_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_4e65629a-7071-497e-b39a-7732c54a43c2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_4e65629a-7071-497e-b39a-7732c54a43c2_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_758d03ea-04b7-49df-897e-5aff9210b912" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_4e65629a-7071-497e-b39a-7732c54a43c2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_758d03ea-04b7-49df-897e-5aff9210b912" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember_b34240e9-8dfa-4432-8cbb-21deff24c245" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_758d03ea-04b7-49df-897e-5aff9210b912" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember_b34240e9-8dfa-4432-8cbb-21deff24c245" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_f4b4f491-7ec4-4609-a960-263adf4a3979" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_52abc409-e2b0-4794-8b6f-fd48ffe53d3d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_f4b4f491-7ec4-4609-a960-263adf4a3979" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_f4b4f491-7ec4-4609-a960-263adf4a3979_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_f4b4f491-7ec4-4609-a960-263adf4a3979" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_f4b4f491-7ec4-4609-a960-263adf4a3979_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_87a282b7-0233-4e1c-8737-fa3ff4ba2cf6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_f4b4f491-7ec4-4609-a960-263adf4a3979" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_87a282b7-0233-4e1c-8737-fa3ff4ba2cf6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_47e50529-76c5-4fac-85f0-63c240b4d5e8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_87a282b7-0233-4e1c-8737-fa3ff4ba2cf6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_47e50529-76c5-4fac-85f0-63c240b4d5e8" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_98a4b1b3-ab39-4310-b8aa-3dabab4e1e3a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_87a282b7-0233-4e1c-8737-fa3ff4ba2cf6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_98a4b1b3-ab39-4310-b8aa-3dabab4e1e3a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_82481be0-4b7e-4882-94e9-05dc51d4a7a0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_52abc409-e2b0-4794-8b6f-fd48ffe53d3d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_82481be0-4b7e-4882-94e9-05dc51d4a7a0" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_82481be0-4b7e-4882-94e9-05dc51d4a7a0_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_82481be0-4b7e-4882-94e9-05dc51d4a7a0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_82481be0-4b7e-4882-94e9-05dc51d4a7a0_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_c8e0c496-250d-4d60-aee8-2355bdfacf3f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_82481be0-4b7e-4882-94e9-05dc51d4a7a0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_c8e0c496-250d-4d60-aee8-2355bdfacf3f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_PossibleLiquidityIssuesMember_e72d9b87-479c-40a2-adf2-c02637cc7b4e" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_PossibleLiquidityIssuesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_c8e0c496-250d-4d60-aee8-2355bdfacf3f" xlink:to="loc_asb_PossibleLiquidityIssuesMember_e72d9b87-479c-40a2-adf2-c02637cc7b4e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFairValueUnobservableLevel3MeasurementsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsFairValueUnobservableLevel3MeasurementsDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFairValueUnobservableLevel3MeasurementsDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="ide471d83c7a844268ff8a6457f73ce2e_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueUnobservableLevel3MeasurementsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueAsOfBalanceSheetDateOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesLineItems_f3c1025e-d634-4505-930f-3a8cc9738248" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueAsOfBalanceSheetDateOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesDiscountRate_081927d9-3269-4a0a-b490-41d8775d7682" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesDiscountRate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueAsOfBalanceSheetDateOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesLineItems_f3c1025e-d634-4505-930f-3a8cc9738248" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesDiscountRate_081927d9-3269-4a0a-b490-41d8775d7682" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesPrepaymentSpeed_7cc6fe37-9eb5-4bb8-a2d1-0e9b455ff9bc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesPrepaymentSpeed"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueAsOfBalanceSheetDateOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesLineItems_f3c1025e-d634-4505-930f-3a8cc9738248" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesPrepaymentSpeed_7cc6fe37-9eb5-4bb8-a2d1-0e9b455ff9bc" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueAsOfBalanceSheetDateOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesTable_40ce88b0-1ca5-4ea8-9b05-7ea9350860b3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueAsOfBalanceSheetDateOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueAsOfBalanceSheetDateOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesLineItems_f3c1025e-d634-4505-930f-3a8cc9738248" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueAsOfBalanceSheetDateOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesTable_40ce88b0-1ca5-4ea8-9b05-7ea9350860b3" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_58a2cc27-4add-433c-8a89-5f78aee0a282" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueAsOfBalanceSheetDateOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesTable_40ce88b0-1ca5-4ea8-9b05-7ea9350860b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_58a2cc27-4add-433c-8a89-5f78aee0a282" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_58a2cc27-4add-433c-8a89-5f78aee0a282_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_58a2cc27-4add-433c-8a89-5f78aee0a282" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_58a2cc27-4add-433c-8a89-5f78aee0a282_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_81675a32-04c1-4bba-930a-7e8354cdc710" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_58a2cc27-4add-433c-8a89-5f78aee0a282" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_81675a32-04c1-4bba-930a-7e8354cdc710" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_957917a5-de60-4f50-b3ee-bec9853cbe46" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_81675a32-04c1-4bba-930a-7e8354cdc710" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_957917a5-de60-4f50-b3ee-bec9853cbe46" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis_2df00145-8efd-4d80-84df-9887887eb100" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueAsOfBalanceSheetDateOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesTable_40ce88b0-1ca5-4ea8-9b05-7ea9350860b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis_2df00145-8efd-4d80-84df-9887887eb100" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_2df00145-8efd-4d80-84df-9887887eb100_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis_2df00145-8efd-4d80-84df-9887887eb100" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_2df00145-8efd-4d80-84df-9887887eb100_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_361df2fd-95d2-4fa5-858a-dc5aceda7628" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis_2df00145-8efd-4d80-84df-9887887eb100" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_361df2fd-95d2-4fa5-858a-dc5aceda7628" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDiscountedCashFlowMember_a30e9d14-0cf5-4dc1-b7ec-e108195ea33a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDiscountedCashFlowMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_361df2fd-95d2-4fa5-858a-dc5aceda7628" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDiscountedCashFlowMember_a30e9d14-0cf5-4dc1-b7ec-e108195ea33a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_AppraisalsDiscountedCashFlowMember_ec563fe5-ae99-4816-aef4-d540de970a79" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_AppraisalsDiscountedCashFlowMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_361df2fd-95d2-4fa5-858a-dc5aceda7628" xlink:to="loc_asb_AppraisalsDiscountedCashFlowMember_ec563fe5-ae99-4816-aef4-d540de970a79" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_f8f49484-2257-42b0-919e-de1ababd2f32" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueAsOfBalanceSheetDateOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesTable_40ce88b0-1ca5-4ea8-9b05-7ea9350860b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_f8f49484-2257-42b0-919e-de1ababd2f32" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_f8f49484-2257-42b0-919e-de1ababd2f32_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_f8f49484-2257-42b0-919e-de1ababd2f32" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_f8f49484-2257-42b0-919e-de1ababd2f32_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_a949b231-3927-4269-a6a4-3e3dcb1928b3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_f8f49484-2257-42b0-919e-de1ababd2f32" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_a949b231-3927-4269-a6a4-3e3dcb1928b3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ServicingContractsMember_66b94be2-51d2-4e8f-954d-3462f0a69741" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingContractsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_a949b231-3927-4269-a6a4-3e3dcb1928b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ServicingContractsMember_66b94be2-51d2-4e8f-954d-3462f0a69741" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_ImpairedFinanceReceivableMember_d8517414-0aad-4f34-9d37-f0db05285108" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_ImpairedFinanceReceivableMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_a949b231-3927-4269-a6a4-3e3dcb1928b3" xlink:to="loc_asb_ImpairedFinanceReceivableMember_d8517414-0aad-4f34-9d37-f0db05285108" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember_8c84fb46-9c1e-4470-8a82-324932e8af1a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_a949b231-3927-4269-a6a4-3e3dcb1928b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember_8c84fb46-9c1e-4470-8a82-324932e8af1a" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_e49ad140-b228-476a-83dd-36799b3cc8fd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueAsOfBalanceSheetDateOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesTable_40ce88b0-1ca5-4ea8-9b05-7ea9350860b3" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_e49ad140-b228-476a-83dd-36799b3cc8fd" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_e49ad140-b228-476a-83dd-36799b3cc8fd_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_e49ad140-b228-476a-83dd-36799b3cc8fd" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_e49ad140-b228-476a-83dd-36799b3cc8fd_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_9011cbec-7f8a-4179-8792-0f28e8b24b82" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_e49ad140-b228-476a-83dd-36799b3cc8fd" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_9011cbec-7f8a-4179-8792-0f28e8b24b82" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_1f1e397f-f492-45da-9cdf-fff286f2629a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_9011cbec-7f8a-4179-8792-0f28e8b24b82" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_1f1e397f-f492-45da-9cdf-fff286f2629a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_54caca79-26a2-40fc-ae0c-0a0b060995e3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_9011cbec-7f8a-4179-8792-0f28e8b24b82" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_54caca79-26a2-40fc-ae0c-0a0b060995e3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_WeightedAverageMember_60dcf67a-89f9-46df-8911-156cc4f9378b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_WeightedAverageMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_9011cbec-7f8a-4179-8792-0f28e8b24b82" xlink:to="loc_srt_WeightedAverageMember_60dcf67a-89f9-46df-8911-156cc4f9378b" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFairValueofFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsFairValueofFinancialInstrumentsDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFairValueofFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i657aefb7c03c40fe981295f35b9af83b_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueofFinancialInstrumentsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_153207e7-fdf3-4832-8126-291f0224c856" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_FairValueFinancialInstrumentsByBalanceSheetGroupingAbstract_9a67949b-73fa-48db-89c1-ef8ea755f493" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_FairValueFinancialInstrumentsByBalanceSheetGroupingAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_153207e7-fdf3-4832-8126-291f0224c856" xlink:to="loc_asb_FairValueFinancialInstrumentsByBalanceSheetGroupingAbstract_9a67949b-73fa-48db-89c1-ef8ea755f493" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_f7e8e1c8-1279-4c0c-855a-b4e1a0d7956e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_FairValueFinancialInstrumentsByBalanceSheetGroupingAbstract_9a67949b-73fa-48db-89c1-ef8ea755f493" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_f7e8e1c8-1279-4c0c-855a-b4e1a0d7956e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndDueFromBanks_2392a62f-9e39-4f7c-afde-1800730687a2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndDueFromBanks"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_f7e8e1c8-1279-4c0c-855a-b4e1a0d7956e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndDueFromBanks_2392a62f-9e39-4f7c-afde-1800730687a2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestBearingDepositsInBanks_82f7d0b1-5e3d-4337-87e9-b0316a2ee1ee" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestBearingDepositsInBanks"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_f7e8e1c8-1279-4c0c-855a-b4e1a0d7956e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestBearingDepositsInBanks_82f7d0b1-5e3d-4337-87e9-b0316a2ee1ee" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FederalFundsSoldAndSecuritiesBorrowedOrPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellFairValueDisclosure_2c201345-ee3b-4f27-bdda-f436dbe20f3e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FederalFundsSoldAndSecuritiesBorrowedOrPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_f7e8e1c8-1279-4c0c-855a-b4e1a0d7956e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FederalFundsSoldAndSecuritiesBorrowedOrPurchasedUnderAgreementsToResellFairValueDisclosure_2c201345-ee3b-4f27-bdda-f436dbe20f3e" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_3f8b657e-8437-443b-9d84-4df0b9f47842" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_f7e8e1c8-1279-4c0c-855a-b4e1a0d7956e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_3f8b657e-8437-443b-9d84-4df0b9f47842" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities_90814b7e-fbed-4298-a897-0eb6c1040564" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_f7e8e1c8-1279-4c0c-855a-b4e1a0d7956e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities_90814b7e-fbed-4298-a897-0eb6c1040564" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue_a7c9e552-7d76-4dec-8675-418ce5ae3599" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_f7e8e1c8-1279-4c0c-855a-b4e1a0d7956e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue_a7c9e552-7d76-4dec-8675-418ce5ae3599" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_EquitysecuritieswithreadilydeterminablefairvalueCarryingAmount_f2fb90d9-a85f-4124-9ec5-b4ebf806c8b3" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_EquitysecuritieswithreadilydeterminablefairvalueCarryingAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_f7e8e1c8-1279-4c0c-855a-b4e1a0d7956e" xlink:to="loc_asb_EquitysecuritieswithreadilydeterminablefairvalueCarryingAmount_f2fb90d9-a85f-4124-9ec5-b4ebf806c8b3" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi_8048d271-825c-410b-a1de-c5000e9f2884" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_f7e8e1c8-1279-4c0c-855a-b4e1a0d7956e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi_8048d271-825c-410b-a1de-c5000e9f2884" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueAmount_81656661-8388-43c1-9efa-e76c88ba0a85" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_f7e8e1c8-1279-4c0c-855a-b4e1a0d7956e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueAmount_81656661-8388-43c1-9efa-e76c88ba0a85" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiAndWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValue_124b7e41-e70f-4c40-8a10-4d5022e4ba82" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiAndWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_f7e8e1c8-1279-4c0c-855a-b4e1a0d7956e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiAndWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValue_124b7e41-e70f-4c40-8a10-4d5022e4ba82" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankStockAndFederalReserveBankStock_30ef2e14-5895-45f6-8c32-b570ed210de4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankStockAndFederalReserveBankStock"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_f7e8e1c8-1279-4c0c-855a-b4e1a0d7956e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankStockAndFederalReserveBankStock_30ef2e14-5895-45f6-8c32-b570ed210de4" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_ResidentialLoansReceivableHeldforsaleNetNotPartofDisposalGroup_9d67a58d-8f17-45ee-819b-58d2092de515" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_ResidentialLoansReceivableHeldforsaleNetNotPartofDisposalGroup"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_f7e8e1c8-1279-4c0c-855a-b4e1a0d7956e" xlink:to="loc_asb_ResidentialLoansReceivableHeldforsaleNetNotPartofDisposalGroup_9d67a58d-8f17-45ee-819b-58d2092de515" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableHeldForSaleAmount_4935788d-5a20-438e-a471-1da1c6404c14" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LoansReceivableHeldForSaleAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_f7e8e1c8-1279-4c0c-855a-b4e1a0d7956e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableHeldForSaleAmount_4935788d-5a20-438e-a471-1da1c6404c14" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmount_c48eeb36-6132-4dde-84b5-65c66f0dd543" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_f7e8e1c8-1279-4c0c-855a-b4e1a0d7956e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmount_c48eeb36-6132-4dde-84b5-65c66f0dd543" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_LoansReceivableNetFairValueDisclosure_dea3adbb-4aa0-4450-8bd1-2e202f5d4a00" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_LoansReceivableNetFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_f7e8e1c8-1279-4c0c-855a-b4e1a0d7956e" xlink:to="loc_asb_LoansReceivableNetFairValueDisclosure_dea3adbb-4aa0-4450-8bd1-2e202f5d4a00" xlink:type="arc" order="15"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LifeInsuranceCorporateOrBankOwnedAmount_5a72c2bf-2a73-4172-b13a-d0567ae290f7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LifeInsuranceCorporateOrBankOwnedAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_f7e8e1c8-1279-4c0c-855a-b4e1a0d7956e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LifeInsuranceCorporateOrBankOwnedAmount_5a72c2bf-2a73-4172-b13a-d0567ae290f7" xlink:type="arc" order="16"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAsset_d330e6a3-d19f-46fa-af0c-0eadc7f21494" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingAsset"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_f7e8e1c8-1279-4c0c-855a-b4e1a0d7956e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAsset_d330e6a3-d19f-46fa-af0c-0eadc7f21494" xlink:type="arc" order="17"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtFairValueAmount_5a5a7a74-eca2-4bb5-8854-a934e39970c1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtFairValueAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_f7e8e1c8-1279-4c0c-855a-b4e1a0d7956e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtFairValueAmount_5a5a7a74-eca2-4bb5-8854-a934e39970c1" xlink:type="arc" order="18"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_63b026a1-5001-4cb1-8a44-172f4a173780" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_f7e8e1c8-1279-4c0c-855a-b4e1a0d7956e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_63b026a1-5001-4cb1-8a44-172f4a173780" xlink:type="arc" order="19"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_dd7d9b97-487e-4133-beaf-ede631381540" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_f7e8e1c8-1279-4c0c-855a-b4e1a0d7956e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_dd7d9b97-487e-4133-beaf-ede631381540" xlink:type="arc" order="20"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_c1ef4a3c-5f23-499c-8a22-9aeaf002df8f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_FairValueFinancialInstrumentsByBalanceSheetGroupingAbstract_9a67949b-73fa-48db-89c1-ef8ea755f493" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_c1ef4a3c-5f23-499c-8a22-9aeaf002df8f" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_DepositsExcludingTimeDeposits_6a80b611-02ad-41b3-8e66-d549c29c0113" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_DepositsExcludingTimeDeposits"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_c1ef4a3c-5f23-499c-8a22-9aeaf002df8f" xlink:to="loc_asb_DepositsExcludingTimeDeposits_6a80b611-02ad-41b3-8e66-d549c29c0113" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_DepositsExcludingTimeDepositsFairValueDisclosure_7fc7f793-a550-4807-9b28-fe7e56aba82a" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_DepositsExcludingTimeDepositsFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_c1ef4a3c-5f23-499c-8a22-9aeaf002df8f" xlink:to="loc_asb_DepositsExcludingTimeDepositsFairValueDisclosure_7fc7f793-a550-4807-9b28-fe7e56aba82a" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_BrokeredCdsAndOtherTimeDeposits_68a5ff44-9c3e-4395-a3f0-fea365dae32d" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_BrokeredCdsAndOtherTimeDeposits"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_c1ef4a3c-5f23-499c-8a22-9aeaf002df8f" xlink:to="loc_asb_BrokeredCdsAndOtherTimeDeposits_68a5ff44-9c3e-4395-a3f0-fea365dae32d" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_BrokeredCdsAndOtherTimeDepositsFairValue_423a98cb-48ec-4cc2-9575-b9db62613c1b" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_BrokeredCdsAndOtherTimeDepositsFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_c1ef4a3c-5f23-499c-8a22-9aeaf002df8f" xlink:to="loc_asb_BrokeredCdsAndOtherTimeDepositsFairValue_423a98cb-48ec-4cc2-9575-b9db62613c1b" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings_a0208389-62c9-4534-9770-5ebf47d9c6b7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_c1ef4a3c-5f23-499c-8a22-9aeaf002df8f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings_a0208389-62c9-4534-9770-5ebf47d9c6b7" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShorttermDebtFairValue_7b061158-5f17-4f5d-b8ac-faf91e676e6a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShorttermDebtFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_c1ef4a3c-5f23-499c-8a22-9aeaf002df8f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShorttermDebtFairValue_7b061158-5f17-4f5d-b8ac-faf91e676e6a" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesBranchOfFHLBBankAmountOfAdvancesByBranch_73a6017d-0522-4988-b974-c36e52df5b44" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesBranchOfFHLBBankAmountOfAdvancesByBranch"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_c1ef4a3c-5f23-499c-8a22-9aeaf002df8f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesBranchOfFHLBBankAmountOfAdvancesByBranch_73a6017d-0522-4988-b974-c36e52df5b44" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdvancesFairValueDisclosure_0b5a6e50-34d5-405c-aad2-8d1f467fa65a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AdvancesFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_c1ef4a3c-5f23-499c-8a22-9aeaf002df8f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdvancesFairValueDisclosure_0b5a6e50-34d5-405c-aad2-8d1f467fa65a" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLongTermDebt_374113f4-efd9-4575-9ab2-398c10818b98" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLongTermDebt"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_c1ef4a3c-5f23-499c-8a22-9aeaf002df8f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLongTermDebt_374113f4-efd9-4575-9ab2-398c10818b98" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_886d4217-2ad6-49fe-96a7-655e0d308d7b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_c1ef4a3c-5f23-499c-8a22-9aeaf002df8f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_886d4217-2ad6-49fe-96a7-655e0d308d7b" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_9d6449b9-2b4e-410c-8df4-ed8a72aeae41" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_c1ef4a3c-5f23-499c-8a22-9aeaf002df8f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_9d6449b9-2b4e-410c-8df4-ed8a72aeae41" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LinesOfCreditFairValueDisclosure_73f7d9b4-113f-4df8-9d80-71782cd511eb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LinesOfCreditFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_c1ef4a3c-5f23-499c-8a22-9aeaf002df8f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LinesOfCreditFairValueDisclosure_73f7d9b4-113f-4df8-9d80-71782cd511eb" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_f6e7d07e-4f7d-452c-a729-f7338698752a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_c1ef4a3c-5f23-499c-8a22-9aeaf002df8f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_f6e7d07e-4f7d-452c-a729-f7338698752a" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_30b430c3-66fb-44aa-af76-7868015521fe" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_c1ef4a3c-5f23-499c-8a22-9aeaf002df8f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_30b430c3-66fb-44aa-af76-7868015521fe" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_386afcc2-f3f1-4b4c-a3c3-8afc186c8616" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_153207e7-fdf3-4832-8126-291f0224c856" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_386afcc2-f3f1-4b4c-a3c3-8afc186c8616" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_ad4d53d8-c1c0-4f19-b5b9-5b2ed8cb090d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_153207e7-fdf3-4832-8126-291f0224c856" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_ad4d53d8-c1c0-4f19-b5b9-5b2ed8cb090d" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_eaa552e4-1ee2-42d0-a364-a999ce2b58a9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_ad4d53d8-c1c0-4f19-b5b9-5b2ed8cb090d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_eaa552e4-1ee2-42d0-a364-a999ce2b58a9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_eaa552e4-1ee2-42d0-a364-a999ce2b58a9_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_eaa552e4-1ee2-42d0-a364-a999ce2b58a9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_eaa552e4-1ee2-42d0-a364-a999ce2b58a9_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2900d65a-228e-49a3-a4a7-aff1491cbe03" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_eaa552e4-1ee2-42d0-a364-a999ce2b58a9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2900d65a-228e-49a3-a4a7-aff1491cbe03" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_3ec5643f-b933-4668-922e-2083b54c4e78" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2900d65a-228e-49a3-a4a7-aff1491cbe03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_3ec5643f-b933-4668-922e-2083b54c4e78" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_e074ed40-ad0e-4a84-9474-51125d296e49" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2900d65a-228e-49a3-a4a7-aff1491cbe03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_e074ed40-ad0e-4a84-9474-51125d296e49" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_0f303b51-7aeb-492a-90d6-3e0c05586893" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2900d65a-228e-49a3-a4a7-aff1491cbe03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_0f303b51-7aeb-492a-90d6-3e0c05586893" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_b366df1f-1d40-4542-85f4-535aa2c87622" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_ad4d53d8-c1c0-4f19-b5b9-5b2ed8cb090d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_b366df1f-1d40-4542-85f4-535aa2c87622" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_b366df1f-1d40-4542-85f4-535aa2c87622_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_b366df1f-1d40-4542-85f4-535aa2c87622" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_b366df1f-1d40-4542-85f4-535aa2c87622_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_144b21bd-5d0c-424f-bd9c-246104562f10" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_b366df1f-1d40-4542-85f4-535aa2c87622" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_144b21bd-5d0c-424f-bd9c-246104562f10" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember_033e7e20-57d2-49a5-810e-5def2abc01bd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_144b21bd-5d0c-424f-bd9c-246104562f10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember_033e7e20-57d2-49a5-810e-5def2abc01bd" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMember_bcf731bd-8e46-491e-bd14-c736bfd6dbdc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_144b21bd-5d0c-424f-bd9c-246104562f10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMember_bcf731bd-8e46-491e-bd14-c736bfd6dbdc" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_bd294176-b8aa-4c46-9841-787ebd908549" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_ad4d53d8-c1c0-4f19-b5b9-5b2ed8cb090d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_bd294176-b8aa-4c46-9841-787ebd908549" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_bd294176-b8aa-4c46-9841-787ebd908549_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_bd294176-b8aa-4c46-9841-787ebd908549" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_bd294176-b8aa-4c46-9841-787ebd908549_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_2c6ba1a8-0336-421c-af3b-72e69b181a0c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_bd294176-b8aa-4c46-9841-787ebd908549" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_2c6ba1a8-0336-421c-af3b-72e69b181a0c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember_cc1c88d3-c464-4b16-93e2-cc439019e9d5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_2c6ba1a8-0336-421c-af3b-72e69b181a0c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember_cc1c88d3-c464-4b16-93e2-cc439019e9d5" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember_2f9eb8fe-1cf7-4d94-820c-402a2d1f0894" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_2c6ba1a8-0336-421c-af3b-72e69b181a0c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember_2f9eb8fe-1cf7-4d94-820c-402a2d1f0894" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_973f4742-d796-4b34-95a2-7d87efb672fe" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_2c6ba1a8-0336-421c-af3b-72e69b181a0c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_973f4742-d796-4b34-95a2-7d87efb672fe" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_TBASecuritiesMember_8a35cb22-ece0-46aa-9a5f-3e843e33cb9f" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_TBASecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_2c6ba1a8-0336-421c-af3b-72e69b181a0c" xlink:to="loc_asb_TBASecuritiesMember_8a35cb22-ece0-46aa-9a5f-3e843e33cb9f" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_192ecebc-34db-41a1-918a-8dd916de9226" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_ad4d53d8-c1c0-4f19-b5b9-5b2ed8cb090d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_192ecebc-34db-41a1-918a-8dd916de9226" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_192ecebc-34db-41a1-918a-8dd916de9226_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_192ecebc-34db-41a1-918a-8dd916de9226" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_192ecebc-34db-41a1-918a-8dd916de9226_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_8891606e-9ee0-4aae-a7f2-f9af0886d7a1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_192ecebc-34db-41a1-918a-8dd916de9226" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_8891606e-9ee0-4aae-a7f2-f9af0886d7a1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_f15551a1-77e5-48e4-8a8e-a0688c85437a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_8891606e-9ee0-4aae-a7f2-f9af0886d7a1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_f15551a1-77e5-48e4-8a8e-a0688c85437a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/RetirementPlansComponentsofNetPeriodicBenefitCostforthePensionandPostretirementTablesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#RetirementPlansComponentsofNetPeriodicBenefitCostforthePensionandPostretirementTablesDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/RetirementPlansComponentsofNetPeriodicBenefitCostforthePensionandPostretirementTablesDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i3351e598ce4f466a9a0ff1af91ca72ec_RetirementPlansComponentsofNetPeriodicBenefitCostforthePensionandPostretirementTablesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_096fd899-933c-48a0-ba8d-9cab1f1485c1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_8c4a1acd-6f6d-4cf2-9b3f-e752bca691f6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_096fd899-933c-48a0-ba8d-9cab1f1485c1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_8c4a1acd-6f6d-4cf2-9b3f-e752bca691f6" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansGeneralInformation_62af1dbc-fef4-41d1-bb73-12abd3c0057c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansGeneralInformation"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_8c4a1acd-6f6d-4cf2-9b3f-e752bca691f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansGeneralInformation_62af1dbc-fef4-41d1-bb73-12abd3c0057c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost_9f7e280b-f3a9-42ae-8d4d-a4878d73b641" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_8c4a1acd-6f6d-4cf2-9b3f-e752bca691f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost_9f7e280b-f3a9-42ae-8d4d-a4878d73b641" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost_5f94ccf8-ce96-4d9c-8180-48b01c3137fe" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_8c4a1acd-6f6d-4cf2-9b3f-e752bca691f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost_5f94ccf8-ce96-4d9c-8180-48b01c3137fe" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets_7b0431d3-6dc2-4bbd-9abf-de6477e260c3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_8c4a1acd-6f6d-4cf2-9b3f-e752bca691f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets_7b0431d3-6dc2-4bbd-9abf-de6477e260c3" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit_5d1c6ce9-5dca-4807-a2d8-0f8973678954" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_8c4a1acd-6f6d-4cf2-9b3f-e752bca691f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit_5d1c6ce9-5dca-4807-a2d8-0f8973678954" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses_f2b947e1-da93-4827-b001-dc587d6fe575" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_8c4a1acd-6f6d-4cf2-9b3f-e752bca691f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses_f2b947e1-da93-4827-b001-dc587d6fe575" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost_53077c98-9509-47f5-9ad0-66cc4e7493d6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_8c4a1acd-6f6d-4cf2-9b3f-e752bca691f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost_53077c98-9509-47f5-9ad0-66cc4e7493d6" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_58111b30-7adb-4542-b974-6e5eaaac5bd6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_096fd899-933c-48a0-ba8d-9cab1f1485c1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_58111b30-7adb-4542-b974-6e5eaaac5bd6" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_5aeba1da-faed-4270-af70-59086336f396" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_58111b30-7adb-4542-b974-6e5eaaac5bd6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_5aeba1da-faed-4270-af70-59086336f396" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_5aeba1da-faed-4270-af70-59086336f396_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_5aeba1da-faed-4270-af70-59086336f396" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_5aeba1da-faed-4270-af70-59086336f396_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_ea04775f-ee71-4236-a547-6ac1bebe6a25" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_5aeba1da-faed-4270-af70-59086336f396" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_ea04775f-ee71-4236-a547-6ac1bebe6a25" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_c4d3d97a-618d-45b5-a013-dd7ec1add9ce" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_ea04775f-ee71-4236-a547-6ac1bebe6a25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_c4d3d97a-618d-45b5-a013-dd7ec1add9ce" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_4d637860-d215-4e1e-8b5c-316df43a396e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_ea04775f-ee71-4236-a547-6ac1bebe6a25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_4d637860-d215-4e1e-8b5c-316df43a396e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/RetirementPlansDetailsTextualsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#RetirementPlansDetailsTextualsDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/RetirementPlansDetailsTextualsDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="ibad6e67cfca24cfe8cb2ce31a2e4b88f_RetirementPlansDetailsTextualsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_ecb74b87-06ae-4d02-9117-addd88eb5d43" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_f5c76781-e523-4448-a704-1a43331c7c6d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_ecb74b87-06ae-4d02-9117-addd88eb5d43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_f5c76781-e523-4448-a704-1a43331c7c6d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_53b5e958-8eed-4d0d-84da-330f5e314342" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTableTextBlockLineItems_ecb74b87-06ae-4d02-9117-addd88eb5d43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_53b5e958-8eed-4d0d-84da-330f5e314342" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_a73b63cb-ebdd-46f2-b24f-8b050d160948" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_53b5e958-8eed-4d0d-84da-330f5e314342" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_a73b63cb-ebdd-46f2-b24f-8b050d160948" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_a73b63cb-ebdd-46f2-b24f-8b050d160948_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_a73b63cb-ebdd-46f2-b24f-8b050d160948" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_a73b63cb-ebdd-46f2-b24f-8b050d160948_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_10ddd313-a932-4717-a302-5a44f6cc14c3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_a73b63cb-ebdd-46f2-b24f-8b050d160948" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_10ddd313-a932-4717-a302-5a44f6cc14c3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_9a81cc7f-e54f-49af-97a1-1555b8801771" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_10ddd313-a932-4717-a302-5a44f6cc14c3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_9a81cc7f-e54f-49af-97a1-1555b8801771" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_603a0866-45a8-4a30-906e-a8b5b33b4164" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_10ddd313-a932-4717-a302-5a44f6cc14c3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_603a0866-45a8-4a30-906e-a8b5b33b4164" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/SegmentReportingDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#SegmentReportingDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/SegmentReportingDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i98095667300548759928f3e1ce470bfd_SegmentReportingDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_6836caa7-1ebd-4b81-8b74-641c833e9d3d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract_e0025f20-7e80-4d42-874a-30b78b375b1b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_6836caa7-1ebd-4b81-8b74-641c833e9d3d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract_e0025f20-7e80-4d42-874a-30b78b375b1b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet_90d8adbf-f4eb-4f61-b266-3acca95d051a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract_e0025f20-7e80-4d42-874a-30b78b375b1b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet_90d8adbf-f4eb-4f61-b266-3acca95d051a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_Netintersegmentinterestincomeexpense_04a8fcf4-b666-4e33-a488-bd77455628b6" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_Netintersegmentinterestincomeexpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract_e0025f20-7e80-4d42-874a-30b78b375b1b" xlink:to="loc_asb_Netintersegmentinterestincomeexpense_04a8fcf4-b666-4e33-a488-bd77455628b6" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_Segmentnetinterestincome_39740e2a-ae5d-42d3-ad1f-2e1392552927" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_Segmentnetinterestincome"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract_e0025f20-7e80-4d42-874a-30b78b375b1b" xlink:to="loc_asb_Segmentnetinterestincome_39740e2a-ae5d-42d3-ad1f-2e1392552927" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestIncome_57a6c3c8-ccfb-4a2e-ba85-2d3d460c0f23" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NoninterestIncome"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract_e0025f20-7e80-4d42-874a-30b78b375b1b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestIncome_57a6c3c8-ccfb-4a2e-ba85-2d3d460c0f23" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_fdf0ce8c-08cf-48e4-86b4-a533bd53f874" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract_e0025f20-7e80-4d42-874a-30b78b375b1b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_fdf0ce8c-08cf-48e4-86b4-a533bd53f874" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLosses_b7802b3d-27f0-42c9-8186-308b25f73afe" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLosses"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract_e0025f20-7e80-4d42-874a-30b78b375b1b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLosses_b7802b3d-27f0-42c9-8186-308b25f73afe" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpense_3b859fc5-50c0-4de9-b2b1-ca2ef3c10279" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NoninterestExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract_e0025f20-7e80-4d42-874a-30b78b375b1b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestExpense_3b859fc5-50c0-4de9-b2b1-ca2ef3c10279" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_4e2dcfa8-0a22-4fb7-9103-79c78c2823ba" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract_e0025f20-7e80-4d42-874a-30b78b375b1b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_4e2dcfa8-0a22-4fb7-9103-79c78c2823ba" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_060d614c-011a-4e87-85b9-94b976cde5ef" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract_e0025f20-7e80-4d42-874a-30b78b375b1b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_060d614c-011a-4e87-85b9-94b976cde5ef" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_778e351d-ab18-4e85-bdbb-7b96da3ee78f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract_e0025f20-7e80-4d42-874a-30b78b375b1b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_778e351d-ab18-4e85-bdbb-7b96da3ee78f" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_SegmentBalanceSheetDataAbstract_41b845cc-9a75-4cf8-b4ff-155cb25a6ca2" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_SegmentBalanceSheetDataAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_6836caa7-1ebd-4b81-8b74-641c833e9d3d" xlink:to="loc_asb_SegmentBalanceSheetDataAbstract_41b845cc-9a75-4cf8-b4ff-155cb25a6ca2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_AllocatedGoodwillSegment_b2f2cd52-9ec1-4a80-9581-9f6fc6885c70" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_AllocatedGoodwillSegment"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_SegmentBalanceSheetDataAbstract_41b845cc-9a75-4cf8-b4ff-155cb25a6ca2" xlink:to="loc_asb_AllocatedGoodwillSegment_b2f2cd52-9ec1-4a80-9581-9f6fc6885c70" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_c374d5e7-2591-454a-82e6-81e078a1f186" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_6836caa7-1ebd-4b81-8b74-641c833e9d3d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_c374d5e7-2591-454a-82e6-81e078a1f186" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_0caed291-0ab0-4785-b049-7895994908c1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_c374d5e7-2591-454a-82e6-81e078a1f186" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_0caed291-0ab0-4785-b049-7895994908c1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_0caed291-0ab0-4785-b049-7895994908c1_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_0caed291-0ab0-4785-b049-7895994908c1" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_0caed291-0ab0-4785-b049-7895994908c1_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_ba49fbec-e0ac-486f-b8d3-9b94f431833f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_0caed291-0ab0-4785-b049-7895994908c1" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_ba49fbec-e0ac-486f-b8d3-9b94f431833f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_c8913f71-5f2f-41ca-b1d4-c188b89c2f3a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_ba49fbec-e0ac-486f-b8d3-9b94f431833f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_c8913f71-5f2f-41ca-b1d4-c188b89c2f3a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_e3b90111-dde4-44b5-999d-9a875a48cbc0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_c374d5e7-2591-454a-82e6-81e078a1f186" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_e3b90111-dde4-44b5-999d-9a875a48cbc0" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_e3b90111-dde4-44b5-999d-9a875a48cbc0_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_e3b90111-dde4-44b5-999d-9a875a48cbc0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_e3b90111-dde4-44b5-999d-9a875a48cbc0_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6028154a-528f-4a9b-8030-e600aef65867" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_e3b90111-dde4-44b5-999d-9a875a48cbc0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6028154a-528f-4a9b-8030-e600aef65867" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_CorporateandCommercialSpecialtysegmentMember_6f4428be-614d-4590-9958-2b528060eeeb" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_CorporateandCommercialSpecialtysegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6028154a-528f-4a9b-8030-e600aef65867" xlink:to="loc_asb_CorporateandCommercialSpecialtysegmentMember_6f4428be-614d-4590-9958-2b528060eeeb" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_CommunityConsumerandBusinesssegmentMember_001ca0bc-0d71-48dc-add4-32058b177a0a" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_CommunityConsumerandBusinesssegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6028154a-528f-4a9b-8030-e600aef65867" xlink:to="loc_asb_CommunityConsumerandBusinesssegmentMember_001ca0bc-0d71-48dc-add4-32058b177a0a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_RiskManagementandSharedSeriviesSegmentMember_0230185e-75f5-429f-96c1-b0fce12f827a" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_RiskManagementandSharedSeriviesSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6028154a-528f-4a9b-8030-e600aef65867" xlink:to="loc_asb_RiskManagementandSharedSeriviesSegmentMember_0230185e-75f5-429f-96c1-b0fce12f827a" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/SegmentReportingDetailsTextuals" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#SegmentReportingDetailsTextuals"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/SegmentReportingDetailsTextuals" xlink:type="extended" id="if2ef6f5edb694819948080fefc893014_SegmentReportingDetailsTextuals">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_88c962d7-946f-4cf9-999c-c1a229fa171f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_GainLossOnSaleAndMaturityOfOtherInvestmentsBeforeTax_581e04b1-7deb-42a1-9e9a-5fe0285a65eb" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_GainLossOnSaleAndMaturityOfOtherInvestmentsBeforeTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_88c962d7-946f-4cf9-999c-c1a229fa171f" xlink:to="loc_asb_GainLossOnSaleAndMaturityOfOtherInvestmentsBeforeTax_581e04b1-7deb-42a1-9e9a-5fe0285a65eb" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_8c1b441d-53ac-41bb-a703-bba2eb4a69c0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_88c962d7-946f-4cf9-999c-c1a229fa171f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_8c1b441d-53ac-41bb-a703-bba2eb4a69c0" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_6dc9daed-fb22-4ea4-8b93-45850523f5e2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_8c1b441d-53ac-41bb-a703-bba2eb4a69c0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_6dc9daed-fb22-4ea4-8b93-45850523f5e2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_6dc9daed-fb22-4ea4-8b93-45850523f5e2_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_6dc9daed-fb22-4ea4-8b93-45850523f5e2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_6dc9daed-fb22-4ea4-8b93-45850523f5e2_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_2d0b452c-6378-440f-9c23-42a66d2bc627" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_6dc9daed-fb22-4ea4-8b93-45850523f5e2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_2d0b452c-6378-440f-9c23-42a66d2bc627" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_WhitnellMember_00761c00-9bfd-422f-8512-2e62cb20f0fe" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_WhitnellMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_2d0b452c-6378-440f-9c23-42a66d2bc627" xlink:to="loc_asb_WhitnellMember_00761c00-9bfd-422f-8512-2e62cb20f0fe" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="ic9b787838ffc48f5a9c51332aafb482b_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_302856d7-4a51-4b6e-bad7-86945e337d60" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossRollForward_4e5b380d-5e36-4d98-a3d4-7f6a43157c0f" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_302856d7-4a51-4b6e-bad7-86945e337d60" xlink:to="loc_asb_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossRollForward_4e5b380d-5e36-4d98-a3d4-7f6a43157c0f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_6d8e3777-1e28-4dbb-bef2-9e3b6842b03d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossRollForward_4e5b380d-5e36-4d98-a3d4-7f6a43157c0f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_6d8e3777-1e28-4dbb-bef2-9e3b6842b03d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsBeforeTax_40f49aff-b911-4f49-b327-17c84ea42762" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsBeforeTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossRollForward_4e5b380d-5e36-4d98-a3d4-7f6a43157c0f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsBeforeTax_40f49aff-b911-4f49-b327-17c84ea42762" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_NetUnrealizedLossesOnAFSSecuritiesTransferredToHTMSecuritiesPriorToTransfer_60524257-a6b6-43a9-8ad1-7ab00d4c12b4" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_NetUnrealizedLossesOnAFSSecuritiesTransferredToHTMSecuritiesPriorToTransfer"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossRollForward_4e5b380d-5e36-4d98-a3d4-7f6a43157c0f" xlink:to="loc_asb_NetUnrealizedLossesOnAFSSecuritiesTransferredToHTMSecuritiesPriorToTransfer_60524257-a6b6-43a9-8ad1-7ab00d4c12b4" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleRealizedLoss_ca771e51-b173-4904-9ac1-5dc8257d1db0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleRealizedLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossRollForward_4e5b380d-5e36-4d98-a3d4-7f6a43157c0f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleRealizedLoss_ca771e51-b173-4904-9ac1-5dc8257d1db0" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_AmortizationofNetUnrealizedGainonAvailableforSaleSecuritiesTransferedtoHeldtomaturitySecurities_45c0ecc4-187d-4e52-95a8-cc0c38ab7376" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_AmortizationofNetUnrealizedGainonAvailableforSaleSecuritiesTransferedtoHeldtomaturitySecurities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossRollForward_4e5b380d-5e36-4d98-a3d4-7f6a43157c0f" xlink:to="loc_asb_AmortizationofNetUnrealizedGainonAvailableforSaleSecuritiesTransferedtoHeldtomaturitySecurities_45c0ecc4-187d-4e52-95a8-cc0c38ab7376" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense_fffff9a3-ed3f-454e-ab23-416cdd6854a1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossRollForward_4e5b380d-5e36-4d98-a3d4-7f6a43157c0f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense_fffff9a3-ed3f-454e-ab23-416cdd6854a1" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherExpenses_585cbdf0-d40b-403f-b480-04f61e24a60c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherExpenses"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossRollForward_4e5b380d-5e36-4d98-a3d4-7f6a43157c0f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherExpenses_585cbdf0-d40b-403f-b480-04f61e24a60c" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTax_af932dd1-3453-46d6-bb4d-9a75ee7aef2c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossRollForward_4e5b380d-5e36-4d98-a3d4-7f6a43157c0f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTax_af932dd1-3453-46d6-bb4d-9a75ee7aef2c" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_4c2aa003-20b3-4bdd-b112-a422b752ba99" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_asb_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossRollForward_4e5b380d-5e36-4d98-a3d4-7f6a43157c0f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_4c2aa003-20b3-4bdd-b112-a422b752ba99" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_fea573e8-d4fa-4457-b5c4-d16beffbe1b5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_bfb2d947-5c5a-41ce-a367-79a0e549d402" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_302856d7-4a51-4b6e-bad7-86945e337d60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_bfb2d947-5c5a-41ce-a367-79a0e549d402" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_08471106-8ee0-4558-a1c4-66582a724335" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_bfb2d947-5c5a-41ce-a367-79a0e549d402" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_08471106-8ee0-4558-a1c4-66582a724335" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_08471106-8ee0-4558-a1c4-66582a724335_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_08471106-8ee0-4558-a1c4-66582a724335" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_08471106-8ee0-4558-a1c4-66582a724335_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_74e55371-1d94-46c5-a824-45ce18ef4c21" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_08471106-8ee0-4558-a1c4-66582a724335" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_74e55371-1d94-46c5-a824-45ce18ef4c21" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember_6803c28a-a279-41eb-a896-84763a98ee6a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_74e55371-1d94-46c5-a824-45ce18ef4c21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember_6803c28a-a279-41eb-a896-84763a98ee6a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_d81c6b9d-8cdf-42ec-8855-89e73d4174e7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_74e55371-1d94-46c5-a824-45ce18ef4c21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_d81c6b9d-8cdf-42ec-8855-89e73d4174e7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_a38b41b4-36c0-4b0b-bd29-593406b7de24" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_74e55371-1d94-46c5-a824-45ce18ef4c21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_a38b41b4-36c0-4b0b-bd29-593406b7de24" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/RevenuefromContractswithCustomersDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#RevenuefromContractswithCustomersDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/RevenuefromContractswithCustomersDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="ib6620f30e69847febd96dfd54bc58aa7_RevenuefromContractswithCustomersDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_c5aeb231-12ff-402c-9e9a-68c367b790c7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_NoninterestIncomeInScopeofTopic606_b4af6ef8-ff04-44bc-823e-5195b6704620" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_NoninterestIncomeInScopeofTopic606"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_c5aeb231-12ff-402c-9e9a-68c367b790c7" xlink:to="loc_asb_NoninterestIncomeInScopeofTopic606_b4af6ef8-ff04-44bc-823e-5195b6704620" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_NoninterestIncomeOutsideofScopeofTopic606_00e9af9e-5009-4da0-95ec-fe42cb6bcfc2" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_NoninterestIncomeOutsideofScopeofTopic606"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_c5aeb231-12ff-402c-9e9a-68c367b790c7" xlink:to="loc_asb_NoninterestIncomeOutsideofScopeofTopic606_00e9af9e-5009-4da0-95ec-fe42cb6bcfc2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestIncome_092d9b95-bf85-4290-9fcf-ff5a29e40710" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NoninterestIncome"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_c5aeb231-12ff-402c-9e9a-68c367b790c7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoninterestIncome_092d9b95-bf85-4290-9fcf-ff5a29e40710" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_GainLossOnSaleAndMaturityOfOtherInvestmentsBeforeTax_e6e4f8ad-6c72-4c2f-90b7-fa6ec1e98b23" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_GainLossOnSaleAndMaturityOfOtherInvestmentsBeforeTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_c5aeb231-12ff-402c-9e9a-68c367b790c7" xlink:to="loc_asb_GainLossOnSaleAndMaturityOfOtherInvestmentsBeforeTax_e6e4f8ad-6c72-4c2f-90b7-fa6ec1e98b23" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionMultipleDeliverableArrangementsTable_c1ee1ee3-d0ca-4368-870e-88c76cdbb811" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionMultipleDeliverableArrangementsTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_c5aeb231-12ff-402c-9e9a-68c367b790c7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionMultipleDeliverableArrangementsTable_c1ee1ee3-d0ca-4368-870e-88c76cdbb811" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_499583b3-5730-4f8d-9e26-91724c5f26c7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionMultipleDeliverableArrangementsTable_c1ee1ee3-d0ca-4368-870e-88c76cdbb811" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_499583b3-5730-4f8d-9e26-91724c5f26c7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_499583b3-5730-4f8d-9e26-91724c5f26c7_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_499583b3-5730-4f8d-9e26-91724c5f26c7" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_499583b3-5730-4f8d-9e26-91724c5f26c7_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_717d9cb2-f670-4a04-b337-6b45c46a1044" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_499583b3-5730-4f8d-9e26-91724c5f26c7" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_717d9cb2-f670-4a04-b337-6b45c46a1044" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_fd2c6254-013b-42dd-a7b9-329f81b68f32" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_717d9cb2-f670-4a04-b337-6b45c46a1044" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_fd2c6254-013b-42dd-a7b9-329f81b68f32" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_79000236-a1be-49e7-9a75-9ebb84413b1b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionMultipleDeliverableArrangementsTable_c1ee1ee3-d0ca-4368-870e-88c76cdbb811" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_79000236-a1be-49e7-9a75-9ebb84413b1b" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_79000236-a1be-49e7-9a75-9ebb84413b1b_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_79000236-a1be-49e7-9a75-9ebb84413b1b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_79000236-a1be-49e7-9a75-9ebb84413b1b_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_ee6a1bfa-36af-40fc-8550-24b343ecf275" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_79000236-a1be-49e7-9a75-9ebb84413b1b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_ee6a1bfa-36af-40fc-8550-24b343ecf275" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_CorporateandCommercialSpecialtyMember_2b7b2be2-10df-4886-9ff4-e63d0b14c925" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_CorporateandCommercialSpecialtyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_ee6a1bfa-36af-40fc-8550-24b343ecf275" xlink:to="loc_asb_CorporateandCommercialSpecialtyMember_2b7b2be2-10df-4886-9ff4-e63d0b14c925" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_CommunityConsumerandBusinessMember_e0b33037-d89f-4558-96cd-16f13d8fce97" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_CommunityConsumerandBusinessMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_ee6a1bfa-36af-40fc-8550-24b343ecf275" xlink:to="loc_asb_CommunityConsumerandBusinessMember_e0b33037-d89f-4558-96cd-16f13d8fce97" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_RiskManagementandSharedServicesMember_b3b5752a-e0d3-4c4d-bbe9-1a67bffd5de8" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_RiskManagementandSharedServicesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_ee6a1bfa-36af-40fc-8550-24b343ecf275" xlink:to="loc_asb_RiskManagementandSharedServicesMember_b3b5752a-e0d3-4c4d-bbe9-1a67bffd5de8" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_8e8f4ac1-1620-4eb6-b226-0287f106cdd8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionMultipleDeliverableArrangementsTable_c1ee1ee3-d0ca-4368-870e-88c76cdbb811" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_8e8f4ac1-1620-4eb6-b226-0287f106cdd8" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_8e8f4ac1-1620-4eb6-b226-0287f106cdd8_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_8e8f4ac1-1620-4eb6-b226-0287f106cdd8" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_8e8f4ac1-1620-4eb6-b226-0287f106cdd8_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_614e237b-612b-438c-b3df-f5ba031c57e2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_8e8f4ac1-1620-4eb6-b226-0287f106cdd8" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_614e237b-612b-438c-b3df-f5ba031c57e2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiduciaryAndTrustMember_a05b9222-99bf-4262-9f6a-02d8d0a4c745" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FiduciaryAndTrustMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_614e237b-612b-438c-b3df-f5ba031c57e2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiduciaryAndTrustMember_a05b9222-99bf-4262-9f6a-02d8d0a4c745" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepositAccountMember_834001c3-5297-4755-b115-92300421b85b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DepositAccountMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_614e237b-612b-438c-b3df-f5ba031c57e2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepositAccountMember_834001c3-5297-4755-b115-92300421b85b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditAndDebitCardMember_9c5198ca-08f5-4da1-a18b-0ff59170fd36" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CreditAndDebitCardMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_614e237b-612b-438c-b3df-f5ba031c57e2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditAndDebitCardMember_9c5198ca-08f5-4da1-a18b-0ff59170fd36" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialServiceOtherMember_9bdc6cc6-c112-473c-b116-d866d6d83316" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialServiceOtherMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_614e237b-612b-438c-b3df-f5ba031c57e2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialServiceOtherMember_9bdc6cc6-c112-473c-b116-d866d6d83316" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_ee267734-6143-49c7-b959-fd57423ba6e2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionMultipleDeliverableArrangementsTable_c1ee1ee3-d0ca-4368-870e-88c76cdbb811" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_ee267734-6143-49c7-b959-fd57423ba6e2" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_ee267734-6143-49c7-b959-fd57423ba6e2_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_ee267734-6143-49c7-b959-fd57423ba6e2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_ee267734-6143-49c7-b959-fd57423ba6e2_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_d5e515f7-2d75-4d39-8e2a-da9e2d5857c0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_ee267734-6143-49c7-b959-fd57423ba6e2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_d5e515f7-2d75-4d39-8e2a-da9e2d5857c0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_WhitnellMember_4268fdf7-e9bd-48a6-b254-62d45d4c9e3b" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_WhitnellMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_d5e515f7-2d75-4d39-8e2a-da9e2d5857c0" xlink:to="loc_asb_WhitnellMember_4268fdf7-e9bd-48a6-b254-62d45d4c9e3b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/LeasesOperatingLeaseInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#LeasesOperatingLeaseInformationDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/LeasesOperatingLeaseInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i0a4331ff3a1149138d6e2045429a9af6_LeasesOperatingLeaseInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_a235a36d-2eaa-4ecb-a059-23bf01c3db57" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_41952146-8bb2-4690-bdaa-e3757bde8fe4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_a235a36d-2eaa-4ecb-a059-23bf01c3db57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_41952146-8bb2-4690-bdaa-e3757bde8fe4" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1_90a4f7f1-7276-419f-bcd5-b6b23b542461" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_a235a36d-2eaa-4ecb-a059-23bf01c3db57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1_90a4f7f1-7276-419f-bcd5-b6b23b542461" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent_5054a24e-657f-4024-8af0-d6b5307ee849" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_a235a36d-2eaa-4ecb-a059-23bf01c3db57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent_5054a24e-657f-4024-8af0-d6b5307ee849" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_3eda3af3-ea25-4bc9-bafb-c607bfaa1194" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_a235a36d-2eaa-4ecb-a059-23bf01c3db57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_3eda3af3-ea25-4bc9-bafb-c607bfaa1194" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1_8bb38d98-c123-470f-9ad7-1539207bdef0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_a235a36d-2eaa-4ecb-a059-23bf01c3db57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1_8bb38d98-c123-470f-9ad7-1539207bdef0" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent_a96cbb21-4fbf-4183-aa53-eb22e3fb223f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_a235a36d-2eaa-4ecb-a059-23bf01c3db57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent_a96cbb21-4fbf-4183-aa53-eb22e3fb223f" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_bc2bcb17-9ae7-4850-83b2-579a7f9ab0bb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_a235a36d-2eaa-4ecb-a059-23bf01c3db57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_bc2bcb17-9ae7-4850-83b2-579a7f9ab0bb" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_70529a1c-a4a6-4dbb-b2b8-3573266f2fcd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_bc2bcb17-9ae7-4850-83b2-579a7f9ab0bb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_70529a1c-a4a6-4dbb-b2b8-3573266f2fcd" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_70529a1c-a4a6-4dbb-b2b8-3573266f2fcd_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_70529a1c-a4a6-4dbb-b2b8-3573266f2fcd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_70529a1c-a4a6-4dbb-b2b8-3573266f2fcd_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_e7eff349-da90-4e86-8151-c714cf9c2201" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_70529a1c-a4a6-4dbb-b2b8-3573266f2fcd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_e7eff349-da90-4e86-8151-c714cf9c2201" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquipmentMember_cf6da121-1224-4974-933f-2a159f6fedb4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquipmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_e7eff349-da90-4e86-8151-c714cf9c2201" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquipmentMember_cf6da121-1224-4974-933f-2a159f6fedb4" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_RetailandCorporateOfficesMember_959af845-6341-46b9-9d55-3fa8da43ebf1" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_RetailandCorporateOfficesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_e7eff349-da90-4e86-8151-c714cf9c2201" xlink:to="loc_asb_RetailandCorporateOfficesMember_959af845-6341-46b9-9d55-3fa8da43ebf1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LandMember_7fb5b92d-071d-4c89-bd6c-93ed758157b4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LandMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_e7eff349-da90-4e86-8151-c714cf9c2201" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LandMember_7fb5b92d-071d-4c89-bd6c-93ed758157b4" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/LeasesDetailsTextuals" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#LeasesDetailsTextuals"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.associatedbank.com/role/LeasesDetailsTextuals" xlink:type="extended" id="ide552df770a14f3b83fb842f862354b4_LeasesDetailsTextuals">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_8f3f433b-775d-4a1b-89b8-97ab78f00523" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract_c04c54cb-766c-4be0-a6b9-3b49eb0ac60d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_8f3f433b-775d-4a1b-89b8-97ab78f00523" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract_c04c54cb-766c-4be0-a6b9-3b49eb0ac60d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_asb_LesseeOperatingLeaseLeaseNotyetCommencedLiability_d5212ff2-aa31-4969-be0a-a2884478f579" xlink:href="asb-20220930.xsd#asb_LesseeOperatingLeaseLeaseNotyetCommencedLiability"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_8f3f433b-775d-4a1b-89b8-97ab78f00523" xlink:to="loc_asb_LesseeOperatingLeaseLeaseNotyetCommencedLiability_d5212ff2-aa31-4969-be0a-a2884478f579" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLeaseNotYetCommencedTermOfContract1_c0ec97d2-7a23-43cd-813f-09f391d8ffa3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLeaseNotYetCommencedTermOfContract1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_8f3f433b-775d-4a1b-89b8-97ab78f00523" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLeaseNotYetCommencedTermOfContract1_c0ec97d2-7a23-43cd-813f-09f391d8ffa3" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_27ba46af-b43c-4d1f-bfa0-9ac50186e26f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_8f3f433b-775d-4a1b-89b8-97ab78f00523" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_27ba46af-b43c-4d1f-bfa0-9ac50186e26f" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_15449cde-d9d2-4e87-a779-0d95b4d13d93" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_27ba46af-b43c-4d1f-bfa0-9ac50186e26f" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_15449cde-d9d2-4e87-a779-0d95b4d13d93" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_15449cde-d9d2-4e87-a779-0d95b4d13d93_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_15449cde-d9d2-4e87-a779-0d95b4d13d93" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_15449cde-d9d2-4e87-a779-0d95b4d13d93_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_7c347e13-b012-4d7d-9be5-505bba74fa07" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_15449cde-d9d2-4e87-a779-0d95b4d13d93" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_7c347e13-b012-4d7d-9be5-505bba74fa07" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_22143b49-c33e-4145-9df9-8210e48751c5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_7c347e13-b012-4d7d-9be5-505bba74fa07" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_22143b49-c33e-4145-9df9-8210e48751c5" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_d64cea07-8161-4700-afcc-8f129b92208b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_7c347e13-b012-4d7d-9be5-505bba74fa07" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_d64cea07-8161-4700-afcc-8f129b92208b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
</link:linkbase>
