<?xml version="1.0" encoding="US-ASCII"?>
<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!-- -->
<link:linkbase xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/Acquisitions" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#Acquisitions" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/AcquisitionsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#AcquisitionsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/AcquisitionsAllocationOfPurchasePriceToFairValueOfAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDetail" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#AcquisitionsAllocationOfPurchasePriceToFairValueOfAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/AcquisitionsScheduleOfComponentsOfIdentifiableIntangibleAssetsAcquiredAndTheirEstimatedUsefulLivesDetail" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#AcquisitionsScheduleOfComponentsOfIdentifiableIntangibleAssetsAcquiredAndTheirEstimatedUsefulLivesDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/AcquisitionsSummaryOfFairValueOfConsiderationTransferredDetail" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#AcquisitionsSummaryOfFairValueOfConsiderationTransferredDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/AcquisitionsSummaryOfSupplementalProFormaConsolidatedResultsOfOperationsDetail" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#AcquisitionsSummaryOfSupplementalProFormaConsolidatedResultsOfOperationsDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/AcquisitionsTables" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#AcquisitionsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/BasisOfPresentation" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#BasisOfPresentation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/BasisOfPresentationPolicies" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#BasisOfPresentationPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/CommitmentsContingenciesAndGuarantees" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#CommitmentsContingenciesAndGuarantees" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/CommitmentsContingenciesAndGuaranteesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#CommitmentsContingenciesAndGuaranteesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementOfStockholdersEquityUnaudited" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementOfStockholdersEquityUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsUnaudited" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfEarningsAndOtherComprehensiveIncomeUnaudited" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfEarningsAndOtherComprehensiveIncomeUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivity" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivityAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivityAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivityFairValueInterestRateSwapsDesignatedAsCashFlowHedgingInstrumentsDetail" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivityFairValueInterestRateSwapsDesignatedAsCashFlowHedgingInstrumentsDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivityTables" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivityTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/DescriptionOfBusiness" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#DescriptionOfBusiness" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/DiscontinuedOperationsDiscontinuedOperations" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#DiscontinuedOperationsDiscontinuedOperations" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/DiscontinuedOperationsDiscontinuedOperationsDetails" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#DiscontinuedOperationsDiscontinuedOperationsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/EarningsPerShareAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#EarningsPerShareAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/EarningsPerShareReconciliationOfBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareDetail" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#EarningsPerShareReconciliationOfBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/EarningsPerShareSummaryOfAntiDilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfWeightedAverageCommonStockEquivalentsDetail" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#EarningsPerShareSummaryOfAntiDilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfWeightedAverageCommonStockEquivalentsDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstruments" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstruments" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsContingentConsiderationReconciliationDetails" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsContingentConsiderationReconciliationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsConvertibleDebtInvestmentReconciliationDetails" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsConvertibleDebtInvestmentReconciliationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPromissoryNoteReconciliationDetails" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPromissoryNoteReconciliationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetail" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsSummaryOfCarryingAmountAndEstimatedFairValueOfConvertibleNotesDetail" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsSummaryOfCarryingAmountAndEstimatedFairValueOfConvertibleNotesDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/FinancingArrangements" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#FinancingArrangements" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/FinancingArrangementsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#FinancingArrangementsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/FinancingArrangementsScheduleOfConvertibleNotesDetail" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#FinancingArrangementsScheduleOfConvertibleNotesDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/FinancingArrangementsScheduleOfMaturitiesOfLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#FinancingArrangementsScheduleOfMaturitiesOfLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/FinancingArrangementsSummaryOfCarryingAmountsOfDebtDetail" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#FinancingArrangementsSummaryOfCarryingAmountsOfDebtDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/FinancingArrangementsSummaryOfInterestExpenseRecognizedDetail" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#FinancingArrangementsSummaryOfInterestExpenseRecognizedDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/FinancingArrangementsTables" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#FinancingArrangementsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssets" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#GoodwillAndIntangibleAssets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseDetail" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsChangesInCarryingAmountOfGoodwillDetail" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsChangesInCarryingAmountOfGoodwillDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssetsDetail" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssetsDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/IncomeTaxesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#IncomeTaxesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/NewAccountingPronouncements" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#NewAccountingPronouncements" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/NewAccountingPronouncementsNewAccountingPronouncementsDetails" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#NewAccountingPronouncementsNewAccountingPronouncementsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/OtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#OtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossComponentsOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossNetOfTaxDetail" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossComponentsOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossNetOfTaxDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossComponentsOfOtherComprehensiveLossNetOfTaxDetail" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossComponentsOfOtherComprehensiveLossNetOfTaxDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTables" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/RestructuringCharges" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#RestructuringCharges" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/RestructuringChargesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#RestructuringChargesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/RestructuringChargesRestructuringLiabilityRollforwardDetails" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#RestructuringChargesRestructuringLiabilityRollforwardDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/RestructuringChargesRestructuringLiabilityRollforwardTables" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#RestructuringChargesRestructuringLiabilityRollforwardTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/SegmentInformation" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#SegmentInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/SegmentInformationAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#SegmentInformationAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/SegmentInformationComponentsOfSegmentInformationDetail" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#SegmentInformationComponentsOfSegmentInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/SegmentInformationTables" xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#SegmentInformationTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/Acquisitions" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/AcquisitionsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EBE0B24B5DE782D037FD4A2B9AA0123E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_2923FD19C734DC3725D84A2B9AA0B58C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EBE0B24B5DE782D037FD4A2B9AA0123E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_2923FD19C734DC3725D84A2B9AA0B58C" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_0099C16FF271FC5AB69D4A2B9AA02709" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_2923FD19C734DC3725D84A2B9AA0B58C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_0099C16FF271FC5AB69D4A2B9AA02709" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_79E40188B9B79EFA770A4A2B9AA08A26_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_0099C16FF271FC5AB69D4A2B9AA02709" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_79E40188B9B79EFA770A4A2B9AA08A26_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_79E40188B9B79EFA770A4A2B9AA08A26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_0099C16FF271FC5AB69D4A2B9AA02709" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_79E40188B9B79EFA770A4A2B9AA08A26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_ADIStrategiesInc.InternationalMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_ADIStrategiesInc.InternationalMember_3A33B3712DD9C1AE5B084A2B9AA0C5BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_79E40188B9B79EFA770A4A2B9AA08A26" xlink:to="loc_hurn_ADIStrategiesInc.InternationalMember_3A33B3712DD9C1AE5B084A2B9AA0C5BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_PopeWoodheadMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_PopeWoodheadMember_E3D4EF237D359D37C73C4A2B9AA04606" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_79E40188B9B79EFA770A4A2B9AA08A26" xlink:to="loc_hurn_PopeWoodheadMember_E3D4EF237D359D37C73C4A2B9AA04606" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_InnosightHoldingsLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_InnosightHoldingsLLCMember_29959C62750A58C5B8824A2B9AA0132A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_79E40188B9B79EFA770A4A2B9AA08A26" xlink:to="loc_hurn_InnosightHoldingsLLCMember_29959C62750A58C5B8824A2B9AA0132A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEffectiveDateOfAcquisition1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEffectiveDateOfAcquisition1_4A22B29A365F84608C654A2B9AA18B8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EBE0B24B5DE782D037FD4A2B9AA0123E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEffectiveDateOfAcquisition1_4A22B29A365F84608C654A2B9AA18B8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_A9DD6AED21FE52FAFB4B4A2B9AA19BC2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EBE0B24B5DE782D037FD4A2B9AA0123E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_A9DD6AED21FE52FAFB4B4A2B9AA19BC2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteReasons" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteReasons_E48977723A678A824A1C4A2B9AA13DB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EBE0B24B5DE782D037FD4A2B9AA0123E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProvisionalInformationInitialAccountingIncompleteReasons_E48977723A678A824A1C4A2B9AA13DB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_24ED87447D1EA8FDCF3B4A2B9AA1E638" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EBE0B24B5DE782D037FD4A2B9AA0123E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_24ED87447D1EA8FDCF3B4A2B9AA1E638" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_8550C21FD06ACAE8D0C64A2B9AA17249" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EBE0B24B5DE782D037FD4A2B9AA0123E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_8550C21FD06ACAE8D0C64A2B9AA17249" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred_62CDBB8E7B852F07E5364A2B9AA19D2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EBE0B24B5DE782D037FD4A2B9AA0123E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred_62CDBB8E7B852F07E5364A2B9AA19D2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued_F8F6CADAAA9938C7D8234A2B9AA1561F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EBE0B24B5DE782D037FD4A2B9AA0123E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued_F8F6CADAAA9938C7D8234A2B9AA1561F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable_F7B667FFB9F5D47587134A2B9AA1A062" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EBE0B24B5DE782D037FD4A2B9AA0123E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable_F7B667FFB9F5D47587134A2B9AA1A062" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharePrice_9BA7BD369D0E86951B804A2B9AA12B10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EBE0B24B5DE782D037FD4A2B9AA0123E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharePrice_9BA7BD369D0E86951B804A2B9AA12B10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability_1779F0BC23461F6750EB4A2B9AA1DE11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EBE0B24B5DE782D037FD4A2B9AA0123E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability_1779F0BC23461F6750EB4A2B9AA1DE11" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsRangeOfOutcomesValueHigh" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsRangeOfOutcomesValueHigh_D0885C112C80719E5CD44A2B9AA2FA33" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EBE0B24B5DE782D037FD4A2B9AA0123E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsRangeOfOutcomesValueHigh_D0885C112C80719E5CD44A2B9AA2FA33" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife_138242B9184D19A77C324A2B9AA10475" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EBE0B24B5DE782D037FD4A2B9AA0123E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife_138242B9184D19A77C324A2B9AA10475" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillExpectedTaxDeductibleAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillExpectedTaxDeductibleAmount_CE3D4548E9DF7A56F2A44A2B9AA15485" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EBE0B24B5DE782D037FD4A2B9AA0123E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillExpectedTaxDeductibleAmount_CE3D4548E9DF7A56F2A44A2B9AA15485" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueServicesNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueServicesNet_1A99C28AE080082A91D24A2B9AA16832" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EBE0B24B5DE782D037FD4A2B9AA0123E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueServicesNet_1A99C28AE080082A91D24A2B9AA16832" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_BB4CB90AE5286D5839844A2B9AA1CA11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EBE0B24B5DE782D037FD4A2B9AA0123E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_BB4CB90AE5286D5839844A2B9AA1CA11" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_BA06F6CBC0457867EAD04A2B9AA27E47" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EBE0B24B5DE782D037FD4A2B9AA0123E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_BA06F6CBC0457867EAD04A2B9AA27E47" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAdditionalDisclosuresAcquisitionCostExpensed" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAdditionalDisclosuresAcquisitionCostExpensed_532DADAA6B931340659B4A2B9AA20745" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EBE0B24B5DE782D037FD4A2B9AA0123E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAdditionalDisclosuresAcquisitionCostExpensed_532DADAA6B931340659B4A2B9AA20745" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_ProFormaAdjustmentsAdditionalExpense" xlink:label="loc_hurn_ProFormaAdjustmentsAdditionalExpense_20D284BC5B14F754B4C54A2B9AA1B903" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_EBE0B24B5DE782D037FD4A2B9AA0123E" xlink:to="loc_hurn_ProFormaAdjustmentsAdditionalExpense_20D284BC5B14F754B4C54A2B9AA1B903" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/AcquisitionsAllocationOfPurchasePriceToFairValueOfAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_7C3CFC0F54325E13843F0AAAEB5B8FD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_6AC668EEAB66578ABA08B44A2800FE6C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_7C3CFC0F54325E13843F0AAAEB5B8FD5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_6AC668EEAB66578ABA08B44A2800FE6C" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_64CA710629CA5485BCEF0809BDE2307F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_6AC668EEAB66578ABA08B44A2800FE6C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_64CA710629CA5485BCEF0809BDE2307F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_71EBDF026BC73AAB2611A64BDA011536_F258E7350FFF54C9B538BE78CC90FDB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_64CA710629CA5485BCEF0809BDE2307F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_71EBDF026BC73AAB2611A64BDA011536_F258E7350FFF54C9B538BE78CC90FDB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_5C4FC988F5D85E75ADF9326A85F5B777" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_64CA710629CA5485BCEF0809BDE2307F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_5C4FC988F5D85E75ADF9326A85F5B777" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_InnosightHoldingsLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_InnosightHoldingsLLCMember_5E474B132A8A558BA7FD14622F2F6128" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_5C4FC988F5D85E75ADF9326A85F5B777" xlink:to="loc_hurn_InnosightHoldingsLLCMember_5E474B132A8A558BA7FD14622F2F6128" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_4C1DCA71E06B543693FEF07B9F8E0FD0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_7C3CFC0F54325E13843F0AAAEB5B8FD5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_4C1DCA71E06B543693FEF07B9F8E0FD0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables_671163C4BB74577E93FA2EB6B04B2B1C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_4C1DCA71E06B543693FEF07B9F8E0FD0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables_671163C4BB74577E93FA2EB6B04B2B1C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsInExcessOfBillingsOnUncompletedContractsOrProgramsExpectedToBeCollectedWithinOneYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsInExcessOfBillingsOnUncompletedContractsOrProgramsExpectedToBeCollectedWithinOneYear_3AEF88F8F9725830B6E12C137EAD5CCB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_4C1DCA71E06B543693FEF07B9F8E0FD0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsInExcessOfBillingsOnUncompletedContractsOrProgramsExpectedToBeCollectedWithinOneYear_3AEF88F8F9725830B6E12C137EAD5CCB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsPrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsPrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets_A7064DB6FF6F503AA31F732653E2C9D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_4C1DCA71E06B543693FEF07B9F8E0FD0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsPrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets_A7064DB6FF6F503AA31F732653E2C9D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_9D7005A85EFD56E8A057C72297DE044F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_4C1DCA71E06B543693FEF07B9F8E0FD0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_9D7005A85EFD56E8A057C72297DE044F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill_276DBBAF32C752F9AA92DE8E08CC215C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssetsAbstract_4C1DCA71E06B543693FEF07B9F8E0FD0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill_276DBBAF32C752F9AA92DE8E08CC215C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_13B9825248DB5D09B0B3A55A8955AA67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_7C3CFC0F54325E13843F0AAAEB5B8FD5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_13B9825248DB5D09B0B3A55A8955AA67" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccountsPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccountsPayable_E1CFA8A4E50E514899D6EADB572CCC17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_13B9825248DB5D09B0B3A55A8955AA67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccountsPayable_E1CFA8A4E50E514899D6EADB572CCC17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_hurn_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilitiesCurrent_6AA478CF59105B87A0DF21CCF4A5EAE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_13B9825248DB5D09B0B3A55A8955AA67" xlink:to="loc_hurn_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilitiesCurrent_6AA478CF59105B87A0DF21CCF4A5EAE5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccruedPayrollAndBenefits" xlink:label="loc_hurn_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccruedPayrollAndBenefits_FDD1AA3FEDE452C5BF9F826549B6158D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_13B9825248DB5D09B0B3A55A8955AA67" xlink:to="loc_hurn_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccruedPayrollAndBenefits_FDD1AA3FEDE452C5BF9F826549B6158D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesDeferredRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesDeferredRevenue_93CCBCC6925B59EBA99F57D64BA0E56A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_13B9825248DB5D09B0B3A55A8955AA67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesDeferredRevenue_93CCBCC6925B59EBA99F57D64BA0E56A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_82D1A592F6655F42A29619141813D85F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilitiesAbstract_13B9825248DB5D09B0B3A55A8955AA67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_82D1A592F6655F42A29619141813D85F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_5ADB603898DA59FD985C026648A9DF6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_7C3CFC0F54325E13843F0AAAEB5B8FD5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_5ADB603898DA59FD985C026648A9DF6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_E0FF3BA4C73856C8B072491B2EE723D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_7C3CFC0F54325E13843F0AAAEB5B8FD5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_E0FF3BA4C73856C8B072491B2EE723D5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/AcquisitionsScheduleOfComponentsOfIdentifiableIntangibleAssetsAcquiredAndTheirEstimatedUsefulLivesDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_8D77A5C9542259B1AA237D17E988AC72" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAcquiredAsPartOfBusinessCombinationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAcquiredAsPartOfBusinessCombinationTable_1D95004644485C2A993CBEC2928CAB3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_8D77A5C9542259B1AA237D17E988AC72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAcquiredAsPartOfBusinessCombinationTable_1D95004644485C2A993CBEC2928CAB3E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_04FBDD01537F58EF9B4B5D071B29FEA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAcquiredAsPartOfBusinessCombinationTable_1D95004644485C2A993CBEC2928CAB3E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_04FBDD01537F58EF9B4B5D071B29FEA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0D829FFD4975334E38A38DB8EE000B93_F258E7350FFF54C9B538BE78CC90FDB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_04FBDD01537F58EF9B4B5D071B29FEA3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0D829FFD4975334E38A38DB8EE000B93_F258E7350FFF54C9B538BE78CC90FDB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_8CC98BCE644A558ABA2E054252F85B4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_04FBDD01537F58EF9B4B5D071B29FEA3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_8CC98BCE644A558ABA2E054252F85B4B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_InnosightHoldingsLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_InnosightHoldingsLLCMember_9AE74645B05E54C393AEA0DA40BE80C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_8CC98BCE644A558ABA2E054252F85B4B" xlink:to="loc_hurn_InnosightHoldingsLLCMember_9AE74645B05E54C393AEA0DA40BE80C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_74A80DF81ECB5563880DC83EFC7707AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAcquiredAsPartOfBusinessCombinationTable_1D95004644485C2A993CBEC2928CAB3E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_74A80DF81ECB5563880DC83EFC7707AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_661E8C49EEEF205D12558DB8EE012484_F258E7350FFF54C9B538BE78CC90FDB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_74A80DF81ECB5563880DC83EFC7707AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_661E8C49EEEF205D12558DB8EE012484_F258E7350FFF54C9B538BE78CC90FDB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_E23124894BA456898B177FFAEF466DF2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_74A80DF81ECB5563880DC83EFC7707AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_E23124894BA456898B177FFAEF466DF2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_9E6DD30ACFD6517FBF3D4777EA880EE9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_E23124894BA456898B177FFAEF466DF2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_9E6DD30ACFD6517FBF3D4777EA880EE9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_BF1D9075DF41536BA298BDF6A80B5951" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_E23124894BA456898B177FFAEF466DF2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_BF1D9075DF41536BA298BDF6A80B5951" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerContractsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerContractsMember_B9F4BE12A82450D5B3E47D40FA5AC2E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_E23124894BA456898B177FFAEF466DF2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerContractsMember_B9F4BE12A82450D5B3E47D40FA5AC2E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember_F0F551FA93EF555A8C989915A0899518" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_E23124894BA456898B177FFAEF466DF2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember_F0F551FA93EF555A8C989915A0899518" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OffMarketFavorableLeaseMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OffMarketFavorableLeaseMember_4D691B3D331E58B095BD833B41E195B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_E23124894BA456898B177FFAEF466DF2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OffMarketFavorableLeaseMember_4D691B3D331E58B095BD833B41E195B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill_B2E80FB5DCB15B58AE3091E65D7E236D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_8D77A5C9542259B1AA237D17E988AC72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill_B2E80FB5DCB15B58AE3091E65D7E236D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_7B49AD74766E5B9AB45506F7117FAC1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_8D77A5C9542259B1AA237D17E988AC72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_7B49AD74766E5B9AB45506F7117FAC1A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/AcquisitionsSummaryOfFairValueOfConsiderationTransferredDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_3FB739896B54B5B00F2F4A2EA3049E25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_E5EE635E000F59C2E1A14A2EA2FF9583" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_3FB739896B54B5B00F2F4A2EA3049E25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_E5EE635E000F59C2E1A14A2EA2FF9583" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_5FFBA9CBF1133B1245B84A2EA2FF6FBD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_E5EE635E000F59C2E1A14A2EA2FF9583" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_5FFBA9CBF1133B1245B84A2EA2FF6FBD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_E493FAD3ACADA8C7DB524A2EA2FF8157_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_5FFBA9CBF1133B1245B84A2EA2FF6FBD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_E493FAD3ACADA8C7DB524A2EA2FF8157_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_E493FAD3ACADA8C7DB524A2EA2FF8157" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_5FFBA9CBF1133B1245B84A2EA2FF6FBD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_E493FAD3ACADA8C7DB524A2EA2FF8157" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_InnosightHoldingsLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_InnosightHoldingsLLCMember_82C458B8C6DADC47DA1E4A2EA3045D0A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_E493FAD3ACADA8C7DB524A2EA2FF8157" xlink:to="loc_hurn_InnosightHoldingsLLCMember_82C458B8C6DADC47DA1E4A2EA3045D0A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_4AA9BC6297C0AB0D26314A2EA3051443" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_3FB739896B54B5B00F2F4A2EA3049E25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_4AA9BC6297C0AB0D26314A2EA3051443" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable_FD68D4D9B4DBF54E6B204A2EA305C903" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_3FB739896B54B5B00F2F4A2EA3049E25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable_FD68D4D9B4DBF54E6B204A2EA305C903" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability_D2EAC1FF2CB32E0659094A2EA305C505" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_3FB739896B54B5B00F2F4A2EA3049E25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability_D2EAC1FF2CB32E0659094A2EA305C505" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredNetWorkingCapitalAdjustment" xlink:label="loc_hurn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredNetWorkingCapitalAdjustment_FB5E5920C4A3F0F9CE424A2EA305B731" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_3FB739896B54B5B00F2F4A2EA3049E25" xlink:to="loc_hurn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredNetWorkingCapitalAdjustment_FB5E5920C4A3F0F9CE424A2EA305B731" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_5048CF77FB6568F252C84A2EA3059D49" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_3FB739896B54B5B00F2F4A2EA3049E25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_5048CF77FB6568F252C84A2EA3059D49" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/AcquisitionsSummaryOfSupplementalProFormaConsolidatedResultsOfOperationsDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsLineItems_3E6CE7097049E1823C094A2C7B1B6207" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsTable_E33BFA83C799B37CD79E4A2C7B1A562C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsLineItems_3E6CE7097049E1823C094A2C7B1B6207" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsTable_E33BFA83C799B37CD79E4A2C7B1A562C" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_A1D9949749C070992E244A2C7B1AAD5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsTable_E33BFA83C799B37CD79E4A2C7B1A562C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_A1D9949749C070992E244A2C7B1AAD5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_4E95C10714BBD31FC7E54A2C7B1A4281_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_A1D9949749C070992E244A2C7B1AAD5B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_4E95C10714BBD31FC7E54A2C7B1A4281_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_4E95C10714BBD31FC7E54A2C7B1A4281" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_A1D9949749C070992E244A2C7B1AAD5B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_4E95C10714BBD31FC7E54A2C7B1A4281" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_InnosightHoldingsLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_InnosightHoldingsLLCMember_77C6424921F52FBC1CF94A2C7B1A4DE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_4E95C10714BBD31FC7E54A2C7B1A4281" xlink:to="loc_hurn_InnosightHoldingsLLCMember_77C6424921F52FBC1CF94A2C7B1A4DE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue_B4CC829D92DECC471D664A2C7B1B6EF6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsLineItems_3E6CE7097049E1823C094A2C7B1B6207" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue_B4CC829D92DECC471D664A2C7B1B6EF6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaNetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaNetIncomeLoss_8ECD28DFE46321D7D72D4A2C7B1DD5BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsLineItems_3E6CE7097049E1823C094A2C7B1B6207" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaNetIncomeLoss_8ECD28DFE46321D7D72D4A2C7B1DD5BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasic_4F1306A7AE7A932FFB154A2C7B1DBFE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsLineItems_3E6CE7097049E1823C094A2C7B1B6207" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasic_4F1306A7AE7A932FFB154A2C7B1DBFE5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareDiluted_D2084A9C183094C5758C4A2C7B1D3090" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsLineItems_3E6CE7097049E1823C094A2C7B1B6207" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareDiluted_D2084A9C183094C5758C4A2C7B1D3090" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/AcquisitionsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/BasisOfPresentation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/BasisOfPresentationPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/CommitmentsContingenciesAndGuarantees" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/CommitmentsContingenciesAndGuaranteesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_hurn_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems_53EC003DB2A551F6A56DB6440D4F4E1C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_CommitmentsAndContingenciesTable" xlink:label="loc_hurn_CommitmentsAndContingenciesTable_8310A6DD887956B78A4EC9D722D8ECA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_hurn_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems_53EC003DB2A551F6A56DB6440D4F4E1C" xlink:to="loc_hurn_CommitmentsAndContingenciesTable_8310A6DD887956B78A4EC9D722D8ECA0" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_66D64692C3935649AEFF20115E8D7922" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_hurn_CommitmentsAndContingenciesTable_8310A6DD887956B78A4EC9D722D8ECA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_66D64692C3935649AEFF20115E8D7922" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_E66267B6B1F85D4EC864B11A2DD2BFC1_F258E7350FFF54C9B538BE78CC90FDB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_66D64692C3935649AEFF20115E8D7922" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_E66267B6B1F85D4EC864B11A2DD2BFC1_F258E7350FFF54C9B538BE78CC90FDB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_91F260D51DEA593CB569F258F6FD78F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_66D64692C3935649AEFF20115E8D7922" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_91F260D51DEA593CB569F258F6FD78F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_SeniorSecuredCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_SeniorSecuredCreditFacilityMember_2D0096B248ED5E26B9B6E717B671DD0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_91F260D51DEA593CB569F258F6FD78F0" xlink:to="loc_hurn_SeniorSecuredCreditFacilityMember_2D0096B248ED5E26B9B6E717B671DD0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_2A1E3D724DC15927835BA81E1C112EA8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_hurn_CommitmentsAndContingenciesTable_8310A6DD887956B78A4EC9D722D8ECA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_2A1E3D724DC15927835BA81E1C112EA8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_25F842A929EC28B73B53B11A2DD25F26_F258E7350FFF54C9B538BE78CC90FDB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_2A1E3D724DC15927835BA81E1C112EA8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_25F842A929EC28B73B53B11A2DD25F26_F258E7350FFF54C9B538BE78CC90FDB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_C072A0B23FF35BD6BFE6B985E5058330" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_2A1E3D724DC15927835BA81E1C112EA8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_C072A0B23FF35BD6BFE6B985E5058330" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_E373750DAE9C567C9C295B2C2F33965C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_C072A0B23FF35BD6BFE6B985E5058330" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_E373750DAE9C567C9C295B2C2F33965C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_B33C5D1D8DBD5F138519175E64886DB1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_hurn_CommitmentsAndContingenciesTable_8310A6DD887956B78A4EC9D722D8ECA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_B33C5D1D8DBD5F138519175E64886DB1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_0632313D7D321C2E159DB11A2DD2AB21_F258E7350FFF54C9B538BE78CC90FDB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_B33C5D1D8DBD5F138519175E64886DB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_0632313D7D321C2E159DB11A2DD2AB21_F258E7350FFF54C9B538BE78CC90FDB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_6F74FD607036597C8724D0330A43719A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_B33C5D1D8DBD5F138519175E64886DB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_6F74FD607036597C8724D0330A43719A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_ContingentConsiderationLiabilityMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_ContingentConsiderationLiabilityMember_94962FCBA28B568CAD193F1B68B4BCF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_6F74FD607036597C8724D0330A43719A" xlink:to="loc_hurn_ContingentConsiderationLiabilityMember_94962FCBA28B568CAD193F1B68B4BCF9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_56FB98DDA7D05DF8ADE17AA896E75448" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_hurn_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems_53EC003DB2A551F6A56DB6440D4F4E1C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_56FB98DDA7D05DF8ADE17AA896E75448" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_9030DAEF128B59C6A666452A6DED52A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_hurn_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems_53EC003DB2A551F6A56DB6440D4F4E1C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_9030DAEF128B59C6A666452A6DED52A4" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementOfStockholdersEquityUnaudited" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_980A6848066E6B6E40CE53C3DEAD7DE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_E366EEFAA438E7149BE753C3DEAC7877" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_980A6848066E6B6E40CE53C3DEAD7DE4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_E366EEFAA438E7149BE753C3DEAC7877" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_7EC856D51685444552D653C3DEACFB3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_E366EEFAA438E7149BE753C3DEAC7877" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_7EC856D51685444552D653C3DEACFB3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_EEBD732DF66BA31E9BEB53C3DEAC67D4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_7EC856D51685444552D653C3DEACFB3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_EEBD732DF66BA31E9BEB53C3DEAC67D4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_EEBD732DF66BA31E9BEB53C3DEAC67D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_7EC856D51685444552D653C3DEACFB3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_EEBD732DF66BA31E9BEB53C3DEAC67D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_6707CA385E5BD2075DF553C3DEACE4B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_EEBD732DF66BA31E9BEB53C3DEAC67D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_6707CA385E5BD2075DF553C3DEACE4B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_BC4C2B606B3898E07E1253C3DEACAFFF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_EEBD732DF66BA31E9BEB53C3DEAC67D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_BC4C2B606B3898E07E1253C3DEACAFFF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_867FB7BF6026BB6CD32653C3DEAC00FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_EEBD732DF66BA31E9BEB53C3DEAC67D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_867FB7BF6026BB6CD32653C3DEAC00FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_0632166CCB4197C6FB7253C3DEAD3D92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_EEBD732DF66BA31E9BEB53C3DEAC67D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_0632166CCB4197C6FB7253C3DEAD3D92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_17CAC0720F0D7857852E53C3DEAD95C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_EEBD732DF66BA31E9BEB53C3DEAC67D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_17CAC0720F0D7857852E53C3DEAD95C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4C869D09E584A72E259153C3DEAD3C96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_980A6848066E6B6E40CE53C3DEAD7DE4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4C869D09E584A72E259153C3DEAD3C96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesIssued_3A5738C7157C7490D07E53C3DEAD3618" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4C869D09E584A72E259153C3DEAD3C96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesIssued_3A5738C7157C7490D07E53C3DEAD3618" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_87EA6954096B7269164553C3DEAD2381" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4C869D09E584A72E259153C3DEAD3C96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_87EA6954096B7269164553C3DEAD2381" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_6DCD651D246D770B05EB53C3DEAD6E88" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4C869D09E584A72E259153C3DEAD3C96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_6DCD651D246D770B05EB53C3DEAD6E88" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_IssuanceOfCommonStockInConnectionWithAbstract" xlink:label="loc_hurn_IssuanceOfCommonStockInConnectionWithAbstract_84447BC5DE4C1B7DC64253C3DEAD75CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4C869D09E584A72E259153C3DEAD3C96" xlink:to="loc_hurn_IssuanceOfCommonStockInConnectionWithAbstract_84447BC5DE4C1B7DC64253C3DEAD75CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures_E65D8A704832C98B614053C3DEAD8661" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_hurn_IssuanceOfCommonStockInConnectionWithAbstract_84447BC5DE4C1B7DC64253C3DEAD75CD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures_E65D8A704832C98B614053C3DEAD8661" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures_33396585FEC4EDEABB0153C3DEAD0C22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_hurn_IssuanceOfCommonStockInConnectionWithAbstract_84447BC5DE4C1B7DC64253C3DEAD75CD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures_33396585FEC4EDEABB0153C3DEAD0C22" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions_3A07278108DEB9D35CB853C3DEAD62A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_hurn_IssuanceOfCommonStockInConnectionWithAbstract_84447BC5DE4C1B7DC64253C3DEAD75CD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions_3A07278108DEB9D35CB853C3DEAD62A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions_48E89D2BB174E29C80B753C3DEADEE07" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_hurn_IssuanceOfCommonStockInConnectionWithAbstract_84447BC5DE4C1B7DC64253C3DEAD75CD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions_48E89D2BB174E29C80B753C3DEADEE07" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_98E272F12C541AD3544853C3DEAD6F24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4C869D09E584A72E259153C3DEAD3C96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_98E272F12C541AD3544853C3DEAD6F24" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_5949299F7E64B83CF56953C3DEAEF722" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4C869D09E584A72E259153C3DEAD3C96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_5949299F7E64B83CF56953C3DEAEF722" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_E09444D49CECF1DD398653C3DEAE3A04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4C869D09E584A72E259153C3DEAD3C96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_E09444D49CECF1DD398653C3DEAE3A04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification_B8D4F4CA0A0441E9B8B053C3DEAE9400" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_4C869D09E584A72E259153C3DEAD3C96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification_B8D4F4CA0A0441E9B8B053C3DEAE9400" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsUnaudited" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfEarningsAndOtherComprehensiveIncomeUnaudited" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivity" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivityAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivityFairValueInterestRateSwapsDesignatedAsCashFlowHedgingInstrumentsDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_EA53568892DAD085D41A4A57F382E5B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_9130A5DD73AAF1EBAE574A57F37B41AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_EA53568892DAD085D41A4A57F382E5B6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_9130A5DD73AAF1EBAE574A57F37B41AB" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_14F40AF36532A16492BF4A57F3815E81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_9130A5DD73AAF1EBAE574A57F37B41AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_14F40AF36532A16492BF4A57F3815E81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_FEAED3C14DFFBDA208A54A57F381CFB1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_14F40AF36532A16492BF4A57F3815E81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_FEAED3C14DFFBDA208A54A57F381CFB1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_FEAED3C14DFFBDA208A54A57F381CFB1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_14F40AF36532A16492BF4A57F3815E81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_FEAED3C14DFFBDA208A54A57F381CFB1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember_DCD8D9D3C4E23CC5F39E4A57F381869C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_FEAED3C14DFFBDA208A54A57F381CFB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember_DCD8D9D3C4E23CC5F39E4A57F381869C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesMember_C47819E9A6FA7C7A6B4F4A57F382B994" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_FEAED3C14DFFBDA208A54A57F381CFB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesMember_C47819E9A6FA7C7A6B4F4A57F382B994" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeDerivativeAtFairValueNetAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeDerivativeAtFairValueNetAbstract_24CAF31EF0BC1302577A4A57F382F158" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_EA53568892DAD085D41A4A57F382E5B6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeDerivativeAtFairValueNetAbstract_24CAF31EF0BC1302577A4A57F382F158" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeDerivativeAtFairValueNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeDerivativeAtFairValueNet_CB9F7D5D7F7975ECCB764A57F3826272" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeDerivativeAtFairValueNetAbstract_24CAF31EF0BC1302577A4A57F382F158" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeDerivativeAtFairValueNet_CB9F7D5D7F7975ECCB764A57F3826272" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivityTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/DescriptionOfBusiness" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/DiscontinuedOperationsDiscontinuedOperations" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/DiscontinuedOperationsDiscontinuedOperationsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/EarningsPerShareAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesLineItems_AB10B39683A97BF5578B53E4F410D19F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesTable_E120C13E658313E9E0F453E4F41049C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesLineItems_AB10B39683A97BF5578B53E4F410D19F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesTable_E120C13E658313E9E0F453E4F41049C7" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis_7F9929BF354DD83F11A053E4F4106934" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesTable_E120C13E658313E9E0F453E4F41049C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis_7F9929BF354DD83F11A053E4F4106934" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_3A7E10766C5B0FBC87D653E4F4100C4F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis_7F9929BF354DD83F11A053E4F4106934" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_3A7E10766C5B0FBC87D653E4F4100C4F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_3A7E10766C5B0FBC87D653E4F4100C4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis_7F9929BF354DD83F11A053E4F4106934" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_3A7E10766C5B0FBC87D653E4F4100C4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_ShareRepurchaseProgramMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_ShareRepurchaseProgramMember_5EBADA06C34AFE88A5D953E7F811936E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_3A7E10766C5B0FBC87D653E4F4100C4F" xlink:to="loc_hurn_ShareRepurchaseProgramMember_5EBADA06C34AFE88A5D953E7F811936E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1_78D8A9366F3E661187B153E4F410FE0B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesLineItems_AB10B39683A97BF5578B53E4F410D19F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1_78D8A9366F3E661187B153E4F410FE0B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_5C42D2685D59238B322353E4F410E08C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesLineItems_AB10B39683A97BF5578B53E4F410D19F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_5C42D2685D59238B322353E4F410E08C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_04DE377323DA14CC92F053E4F410DE65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesLineItems_AB10B39683A97BF5578B53E4F410D19F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_04DE377323DA14CC92F053E4F410DE65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1_1989601FF5F9FF90307153E4F4102C2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AcceleratedShareRepurchasesLineItems_AB10B39683A97BF5578B53E4F410D19F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1_1989601FF5F9FF90307153E4F4102C2A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/EarningsPerShareReconciliationOfBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareDetail" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/EarningsPerShareSummaryOfAntiDilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfWeightedAverageCommonStockEquivalentsDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_1E68B5CB2FAB544E952BF390C68F3FE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_2ED6DD7531E4523A8554CF84D81EA565" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_1E68B5CB2FAB544E952BF390C68F3FE4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_2ED6DD7531E4523A8554CF84D81EA565" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_94DDE8E207E558F48B64F3B7DFEF6D86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_2ED6DD7531E4523A8554CF84D81EA565" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_94DDE8E207E558F48B64F3B7DFEF6D86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_C9C92DCFB2436392887152949CB6DD33_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_94DDE8E207E558F48B64F3B7DFEF6D86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_C9C92DCFB2436392887152949CB6DD33_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_8E804EB4872B5ACBB056C552DA2174E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_94DDE8E207E558F48B64F3B7DFEF6D86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_8E804EB4872B5ACBB056C552DA2174E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_D670D0DA9D7657A59BE31AA1AFC93474" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_8E804EB4872B5ACBB056C552DA2174E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_D670D0DA9D7657A59BE31AA1AFC93474" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_9A4F9CC64B6E59A39F19C10F28E47D06" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_8E804EB4872B5ACBB056C552DA2174E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_9A4F9CC64B6E59A39F19C10F28E47D06" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember_249B373A58E855C0A8173E6A0838D6B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_8E804EB4872B5ACBB056C552DA2174E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember_249B373A58E855C0A8173E6A0838D6B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WarrantMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WarrantMember_38831B374D4850D6A4974027E8253896" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_8E804EB4872B5ACBB056C552DA2174E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WarrantMember_38831B374D4850D6A4974027E8253896" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_0C1CC9CE62A95527A19BA27869DE4667" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_1E68B5CB2FAB544E952BF390C68F3FE4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_0C1CC9CE62A95527A19BA27869DE4667" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstruments" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_DB10104D1CD0618205A74A5043EEEF14" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_85D19B96BF5ED616FA404A5043E60068" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_DB10104D1CD0618205A74A5043EEEF14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_85D19B96BF5ED616FA404A5043E60068" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_43A12BD94905194E38384A5043E77579" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_85D19B96BF5ED616FA404A5043E60068" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_43A12BD94905194E38384A5043E77579" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_45CF9D1DE5204D6F026B4A5043E78007_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_43A12BD94905194E38384A5043E77579" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_45CF9D1DE5204D6F026B4A5043E78007_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_45CF9D1DE5204D6F026B4A5043E78007" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_43A12BD94905194E38384A5043E77579" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_45CF9D1DE5204D6F026B4A5043E78007" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsMember_02B302714A64C89E78744A5043E76812" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_45CF9D1DE5204D6F026B4A5043E78007" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsMember_02B302714A64C89E78744A5043E76812" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember_DF3269397BA9477368024A5043E75EE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_45CF9D1DE5204D6F026B4A5043E78007" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember_DF3269397BA9477368024A5043E75EE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis_91B94F8B5D07D879BDAA4A5043E7BC45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_85D19B96BF5ED616FA404A5043E60068" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis_91B94F8B5D07D879BDAA4A5043E7BC45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain_06C5DF968771918260774A5043E7889B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis_91B94F8B5D07D879BDAA4A5043E7BC45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain_06C5DF968771918260774A5043E7889B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain_06C5DF968771918260774A5043E7889B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis_91B94F8B5D07D879BDAA4A5043E7BC45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain_06C5DF968771918260774A5043E7889B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_PromissoryNoteMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_PromissoryNoteMember_9ADB2B4C9BDA3E7300FB4A5043E74647" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain_06C5DF968771918260774A5043E7889B" xlink:to="loc_hurn_PromissoryNoteMember_9ADB2B4C9BDA3E7300FB4A5043E74647" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_5AA65598FAD27AEF809B4A5043EC9F01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_85D19B96BF5ED616FA404A5043E60068" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_5AA65598FAD27AEF809B4A5043EC9F01" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_E14D32E3A8F9E85EDB594A5043EDE15C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_5AA65598FAD27AEF809B4A5043EC9F01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_E14D32E3A8F9E85EDB594A5043EDE15C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_E14D32E3A8F9E85EDB594A5043EDE15C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_5AA65598FAD27AEF809B4A5043EC9F01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_E14D32E3A8F9E85EDB594A5043EDE15C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_AccountingAdvisoryPracticeMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_AccountingAdvisoryPracticeMember_147AF8FA75A6773610E44A5043ED2774" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_E14D32E3A8F9E85EDB594A5043EDE15C" xlink:to="loc_hurn_AccountingAdvisoryPracticeMember_147AF8FA75A6773610E44A5043ED2774" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_5C756E0B08F6E1DDC8464A5043ED5E6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_85D19B96BF5ED616FA404A5043E60068" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_5C756E0B08F6E1DDC8464A5043ED5E6F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_3A0676C4C9957FD292C94A5043ED45D5_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_5C756E0B08F6E1DDC8464A5043ED5E6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_3A0676C4C9957FD292C94A5043ED45D5_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_3A0676C4C9957FD292C94A5043ED45D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_5C756E0B08F6E1DDC8464A5043ED5E6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_3A0676C4C9957FD292C94A5043ED45D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember_7AE48C5D7F3A88A1BD674A5043ED87C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_3A0676C4C9957FD292C94A5043ED45D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember_7AE48C5D7F3A88A1BD674A5043ED87C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_EF5FB8A8FCB27294C1C04A5043ED2D3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_85D19B96BF5ED616FA404A5043E60068" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_EF5FB8A8FCB27294C1C04A5043ED2D3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_A611109CF688D3174BA34A5043ED7458_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_EF5FB8A8FCB27294C1C04A5043ED2D3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_A611109CF688D3174BA34A5043ED7458_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_A611109CF688D3174BA34A5043ED7458" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_EF5FB8A8FCB27294C1C04A5043ED2D3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_A611109CF688D3174BA34A5043ED7458" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_ShorelightHoldingsLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_ShorelightHoldingsLlcMember_8F1A4C1912A06EDDBDCA4A5043ED47D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_A611109CF688D3174BA34A5043ED7458" xlink:to="loc_hurn_ShorelightHoldingsLlcMember_8F1A4C1912A06EDDBDCA4A5043ED47D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_0D97B7945652894E6E234A5043EE2205" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_85D19B96BF5ED616FA404A5043E60068" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_0D97B7945652894E6E234A5043EE2205" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_04E097D3AA9978B94B664A5043EE927D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_0D97B7945652894E6E234A5043EE2205" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_04E097D3AA9978B94B664A5043EE927D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_04E097D3AA9978B94B664A5043EE927D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_0D97B7945652894E6E234A5043EE2205" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_04E097D3AA9978B94B664A5043EE927D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember_A0B491D5787499A2D1924A5043EE074C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_04E097D3AA9978B94B664A5043EE927D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember_A0B491D5787499A2D1924A5043EE074C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_DurationOfLibor" xlink:label="loc_hurn_DurationOfLibor_7BFE7DAA5A4C8D8F89A74A5043EE89B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_DB10104D1CD0618205A74A5043EEEF14" xlink:to="loc_hurn_DurationOfLibor_7BFE7DAA5A4C8D8F89A74A5043EE89B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedAtFairValueAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedAtFairValueAbstract_E4ED3EB83109E0E3FE7C4A5043EE4381" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_DB10104D1CD0618205A74A5043EEEF14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedAtFairValueAbstract_E4ED3EB83109E0E3FE7C4A5043EE4381" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_NonCashConsiderationForSaleOfDiscontinuedOperation" xlink:label="loc_hurn_NonCashConsiderationForSaleOfDiscontinuedOperation_0B059442B910041FC1D64A5043EE8AE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedAtFairValueAbstract_E4ED3EB83109E0E3FE7C4A5043EE4381" xlink:to="loc_hurn_NonCashConsiderationForSaleOfDiscontinuedOperation_0B059442B910041FC1D64A5043EE8AE5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_NoteReceivableTerm" xlink:label="loc_hurn_NoteReceivableTerm_F9D9E73A5D9F5E44B00F4A5043EE6E77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedAtFairValueAbstract_E4ED3EB83109E0E3FE7C4A5043EE4381" xlink:to="loc_hurn_NoteReceivableTerm_F9D9E73A5D9F5E44B00F4A5043EE6E77" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesDate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesDate_42075FD8EADF20CDE7DC4A5043EE0E3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedAtFairValueAbstract_E4ED3EB83109E0E3FE7C4A5043EE4381" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesDate_42075FD8EADF20CDE7DC4A5043EE0E3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountRate_DCCA470C899E119B999C4A5043EEE13D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedAtFairValueAbstract_E4ED3EB83109E0E3FE7C4A5043EE4381" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountRate_DCCA470C899E119B999C4A5043EEE13D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_9446A801953FDAE5BC8E4A5043EE085E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedAtFairValueAbstract_E4ED3EB83109E0E3FE7C4A5043EE4381" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_9446A801953FDAE5BC8E4A5043EE085E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermInvestments_513F6A04F4CBB17E98164A5043EEC8D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedAtFairValueAbstract_E4ED3EB83109E0E3FE7C4A5043EE4381" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermInvestments_513F6A04F4CBB17E98164A5043EEC8D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate_503C882B787FD3900B164A5043EF70A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedAtFairValueAbstract_E4ED3EB83109E0E3FE7C4A5043EE4381" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate_503C882B787FD3900B164A5043EF70A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_6E7672BEC285EDA908A84A5043EF816A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedAtFairValueAbstract_E4ED3EB83109E0E3FE7C4A5043EE4381" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_6E7672BEC285EDA908A84A5043EF816A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleCarryingAmountOfTheEquityComponent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleCarryingAmountOfTheEquityComponent_8F8A9BF060436E2FD9A64A5043EFC7C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedAtFairValueAbstract_E4ED3EB83109E0E3FE7C4A5043EE4381" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleCarryingAmountOfTheEquityComponent_8F8A9BF060436E2FD9A64A5043EFC7C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharePrice_3E062EE7100D578D76304A5043EFC965" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedAtFairValueAbstract_E4ED3EB83109E0E3FE7C4A5043EE4381" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharePrice_3E062EE7100D578D76304A5043EFC965" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsContingentConsiderationReconciliationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_207C751B08CA505A9F58A61D0B26B0C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_E1A61231EC1D5E3D9EB7593D653901A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_207C751B08CA505A9F58A61D0B26B0C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_E1A61231EC1D5E3D9EB7593D653901A6" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_ChangeinFairValueReasonAxis" xlink:label="loc_hurn_ChangeinFairValueReasonAxis_92EE85634EA6522E945A4C51E827F684" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_E1A61231EC1D5E3D9EB7593D653901A6" xlink:to="loc_hurn_ChangeinFairValueReasonAxis_92EE85634EA6522E945A4C51E827F684" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_ChangeinFairValueReasonDomain" xlink:label="loc_hurn_ChangeinFairValueReasonDomain_3E67E8C4B776672B661475BA5AAE5312_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_hurn_ChangeinFairValueReasonAxis_92EE85634EA6522E945A4C51E827F684" xlink:to="loc_hurn_ChangeinFairValueReasonDomain_3E67E8C4B776672B661475BA5AAE5312_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_ChangeinFairValueReasonDomain" xlink:label="loc_hurn_ChangeinFairValueReasonDomain_EBC4B1077AB256469A48D82B1A784EDA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_hurn_ChangeinFairValueReasonAxis_92EE85634EA6522E945A4C51E827F684" xlink:to="loc_hurn_ChangeinFairValueReasonDomain_EBC4B1077AB256469A48D82B1A784EDA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyGainLossMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyGainLossMember_9285F22D0AE752E48C307D23D5007763" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_hurn_ChangeinFairValueReasonDomain_EBC4B1077AB256469A48D82B1A784EDA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyGainLossMember_9285F22D0AE752E48C307D23D5007763" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_C86D34619B04524B9118F1343CF3B8E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_E1A61231EC1D5E3D9EB7593D653901A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_C86D34619B04524B9118F1343CF3B8E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_03BA674B682A07177E5D75BA5AAECEDB_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_C86D34619B04524B9118F1343CF3B8E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_03BA674B682A07177E5D75BA5AAECEDB_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_C247459FA9F35EC88B55E047116B2B8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_C86D34619B04524B9118F1343CF3B8E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_C247459FA9F35EC88B55E047116B2B8F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_ContingentConsiderationLiabilityMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_ContingentConsiderationLiabilityMember_222D9C88D937541983FBDFDBA932C961" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_C247459FA9F35EC88B55E047116B2B8F" xlink:to="loc_hurn_ContingentConsiderationLiabilityMember_222D9C88D937541983FBDFDBA932C961" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_B738823C60A85319BC5545B40C1620D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_E1A61231EC1D5E3D9EB7593D653901A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_B738823C60A85319BC5545B40C1620D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_BEF7D9673C05C709BC6A75BA5AB04B2F_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_B738823C60A85319BC5545B40C1620D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_BEF7D9673C05C709BC6A75BA5AB04B2F_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_20FA0FDD88F15E2E979246DAE59325C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_B738823C60A85319BC5545B40C1620D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_20FA0FDD88F15E2E979246DAE59325C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_F54CC57099E65E21A0886988C7D26E4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_20FA0FDD88F15E2E979246DAE59325C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_F54CC57099E65E21A0886988C7D26E4E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_AC7ABA85C28E5EDFB9AF4D158101D4C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_E1A61231EC1D5E3D9EB7593D653901A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_AC7ABA85C28E5EDFB9AF4D158101D4C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_D6C82A03AC829E6FF4E575BA5AB0D34C_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_AC7ABA85C28E5EDFB9AF4D158101D4C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_D6C82A03AC829E6FF4E575BA5AB0D34C_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_0010FDAFF9B355DBBFA61E7942D5B3AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_AC7ABA85C28E5EDFB9AF4D158101D4C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_0010FDAFF9B355DBBFA61E7942D5B3AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_1360DF9579705FCBA78B741A99D8E418" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_207C751B08CA505A9F58A61D0B26B0C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_1360DF9579705FCBA78B741A99D8E418" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases_A93DD092D82C585989D4855FE57096E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_207C751B08CA505A9F58A61D0B26B0C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetPurchases_A93DD092D82C585989D4855FE57096E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements_06E301541EBF511B8968F3EE15658BF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_207C751B08CA505A9F58A61D0B26B0C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements_06E301541EBF511B8968F3EE15658BF8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPeriodIncreaseDecrease_919C56933EDB5FC9906946414495872F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_207C751B08CA505A9F58A61D0B26B0C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPeriodIncreaseDecrease_919C56933EDB5FC9906946414495872F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsConvertibleDebtInvestmentReconciliationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_4347586A53A051708D29E243939B2EFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_1D9035E5026F5C168C5B407F6298F39A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_4347586A53A051708D29E243939B2EFB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_1D9035E5026F5C168C5B407F6298F39A" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_73F3EC5E533351E782935949DE4D0D9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_1D9035E5026F5C168C5B407F6298F39A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_73F3EC5E533351E782935949DE4D0D9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_A6841560C99130BD9D8C911AB141292F_F258E7350FFF54C9B538BE78CC90FDB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_73F3EC5E533351E782935949DE4D0D9B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_A6841560C99130BD9D8C911AB141292F_F258E7350FFF54C9B538BE78CC90FDB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_8705B3B38E715211A6C47F5E7985479E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_73F3EC5E533351E782935949DE4D0D9B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_8705B3B38E715211A6C47F5E7985479E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_ShorelightHoldingsLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_ShorelightHoldingsLlcMember_EE7E8D27AC0B51B18C7A5C59DED88ACA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_8705B3B38E715211A6C47F5E7985479E" xlink:to="loc_hurn_ShorelightHoldingsLlcMember_EE7E8D27AC0B51B18C7A5C59DED88ACA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_81A87AFE682153BAB7A143B42BBC2816" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_1D9035E5026F5C168C5B407F6298F39A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_81A87AFE682153BAB7A143B42BBC2816" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_547FF8BF933EDEE8BC5C911AB1413256_F258E7350FFF54C9B538BE78CC90FDB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_81A87AFE682153BAB7A143B42BBC2816" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_547FF8BF933EDEE8BC5C911AB1413256_F258E7350FFF54C9B538BE78CC90FDB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_D9ACE03211EC5B669BF5BB54E4223E67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_81A87AFE682153BAB7A143B42BBC2816" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_D9ACE03211EC5B669BF5BB54E4223E67" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember_1DC5E18993EC57168153BAAB31572002" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_D9ACE03211EC5B669BF5BB54E4223E67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember_1DC5E18993EC57168153BAAB31572002" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_5D229DB1AE8654678C9AB37D0FC34223" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_1D9035E5026F5C168C5B407F6298F39A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_5D229DB1AE8654678C9AB37D0FC34223" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_6EC51DD2AD5E4D00268A911AB1428541_F258E7350FFF54C9B538BE78CC90FDB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_5D229DB1AE8654678C9AB37D0FC34223" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_6EC51DD2AD5E4D00268A911AB1428541_F258E7350FFF54C9B538BE78CC90FDB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_709FA55B91FC51B9A0D0D285B61B4796" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_5D229DB1AE8654678C9AB37D0FC34223" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_709FA55B91FC51B9A0D0D285B61B4796" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_F8D2E22CF8E552C2ADE6FC0E4AD4D2C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_709FA55B91FC51B9A0D0D285B61B4796" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_F8D2E22CF8E552C2ADE6FC0E4AD4D2C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_1B88D3BA01375E6694EE5283A24D3A6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_1D9035E5026F5C168C5B407F6298F39A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_1B88D3BA01375E6694EE5283A24D3A6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_65D75E559DEFE6712438911AB1420C7E_F258E7350FFF54C9B538BE78CC90FDB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_1B88D3BA01375E6694EE5283A24D3A6E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_65D75E559DEFE6712438911AB1420C7E_F258E7350FFF54C9B538BE78CC90FDB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_F8BDCE8850305C7D85A4D40FF3C84EF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_1B88D3BA01375E6694EE5283A24D3A6E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_F8BDCE8850305C7D85A4D40FF3C84EF5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_3FDC1167B08059B78AB991CEAE9C3402" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_4347586A53A051708D29E243939B2EFB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_3FDC1167B08059B78AB991CEAE9C3402" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss_392E8FC65CA5518092B0BBD39476F3D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_4347586A53A051708D29E243939B2EFB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss_392E8FC65CA5518092B0BBD39476F3D4" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPromissoryNoteReconciliationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_A2137CBC5F915630B57BC927B1775E24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_B952D48E91125AE784F91BAD311C394A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_A2137CBC5F915630B57BC927B1775E24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_B952D48E91125AE784F91BAD311C394A" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_9FABFE81E0975F62B49AB3BA5C397F26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_B952D48E91125AE784F91BAD311C394A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_9FABFE81E0975F62B49AB3BA5C397F26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_52EDD39FE14C5AB4CD20911AB13B0F20_F258E7350FFF54C9B538BE78CC90FDB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_9FABFE81E0975F62B49AB3BA5C397F26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_52EDD39FE14C5AB4CD20911AB13B0F20_F258E7350FFF54C9B538BE78CC90FDB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_2D1B593A6114522F807C2D12D0EAA75C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_9FABFE81E0975F62B49AB3BA5C397F26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_2D1B593A6114522F807C2D12D0EAA75C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeMember_BC009ED906D8537B9C854E62137C883A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_2D1B593A6114522F807C2D12D0EAA75C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeMember_BC009ED906D8537B9C854E62137C883A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesReceivableMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableMember_CB8B5F990AB851FE9F6C88340B4E27F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_2D1B593A6114522F807C2D12D0EAA75C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableMember_CB8B5F990AB851FE9F6C88340B4E27F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis_B5E72A0BF6375E2A873345CB7160A55D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_B952D48E91125AE784F91BAD311C394A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis_B5E72A0BF6375E2A873345CB7160A55D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain_4FD21E27990CC5BB84FB911AB13C1BEA_F258E7350FFF54C9B538BE78CC90FDB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis_B5E72A0BF6375E2A873345CB7160A55D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain_4FD21E27990CC5BB84FB911AB13C1BEA_F258E7350FFF54C9B538BE78CC90FDB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain_534B38A27B765C92BF36ABA6103CC2E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis_B5E72A0BF6375E2A873345CB7160A55D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain_534B38A27B765C92BF36ABA6103CC2E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_PromissoryNoteMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_PromissoryNoteMember_2FE11CC97E1F5D608658747500F81E4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain_534B38A27B765C92BF36ABA6103CC2E7" xlink:to="loc_hurn_PromissoryNoteMember_2FE11CC97E1F5D608658747500F81E4C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_901BC34EC2EB501798AA8F4C9E6777E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_B952D48E91125AE784F91BAD311C394A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_901BC34EC2EB501798AA8F4C9E6777E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_38312211A31D7EA921BA911AB13C7498_F258E7350FFF54C9B538BE78CC90FDB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_901BC34EC2EB501798AA8F4C9E6777E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_38312211A31D7EA921BA911AB13C7498_F258E7350FFF54C9B538BE78CC90FDB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_2867CB6281A85E2C95AF3A7003744E56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_901BC34EC2EB501798AA8F4C9E6777E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_2867CB6281A85E2C95AF3A7003744E56" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_001D205021A35A2AA026D7771CFBA266" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_2867CB6281A85E2C95AF3A7003744E56" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_001D205021A35A2AA026D7771CFBA266" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_3D53BDB818895AA08ED4A87CA42E5844" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_B952D48E91125AE784F91BAD311C394A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_3D53BDB818895AA08ED4A87CA42E5844" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_F8465728D12FF785AAAC911AB13C7E6B_F258E7350FFF54C9B538BE78CC90FDB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_3D53BDB818895AA08ED4A87CA42E5844" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_F8465728D12FF785AAAC911AB13C7E6B_F258E7350FFF54C9B538BE78CC90FDB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_8E8A9E9BBCCE5797A2D33327C432FB0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_3D53BDB818895AA08ED4A87CA42E5844" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_8E8A9E9BBCCE5797A2D33327C432FB0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_1624048531715B75B0B6151DF0B8A76B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_A2137CBC5F915630B57BC927B1775E24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_1624048531715B75B0B6151DF0B8A76B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements_13BDEA8B2D265293A36C46B582DC2F08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_A2137CBC5F915630B57BC927B1775E24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements_13BDEA8B2D265293A36C46B582DC2F08" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss_13F875DFBA065DE0BC266A569DA8BF57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_A2137CBC5F915630B57BC927B1775E24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss_13F875DFBA065DE0BC266A569DA8BF57" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_238D0A541D8D537BBBD5A387D5531987" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_4F964C770910592EBA52E6FAC22459A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_238D0A541D8D537BBBD5A387D5531987" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_4F964C770910592EBA52E6FAC22459A5" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_7D6683A5241F511BA8ADF62563509BBB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_4F964C770910592EBA52E6FAC22459A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_7D6683A5241F511BA8ADF62563509BBB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_6478599F91E015829F6B4395D16752A9_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_7D6683A5241F511BA8ADF62563509BBB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_6478599F91E015829F6B4395D16752A9_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_56A68E0CE3D15A178C93F3C2675B128A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_7D6683A5241F511BA8ADF62563509BBB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_56A68E0CE3D15A178C93F3C2675B128A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_DeferredCompensationPlanAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_DeferredCompensationPlanAssetsMember_006BE01B15D05163AD26D9E93A3BA113" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_56A68E0CE3D15A178C93F3C2675B128A" xlink:to="loc_hurn_DeferredCompensationPlanAssetsMember_006BE01B15D05163AD26D9E93A3BA113" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_DBADA2FC7D6059CEA5F7614B5F4B9C00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_4F964C770910592EBA52E6FAC22459A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_DBADA2FC7D6059CEA5F7614B5F4B9C00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_62041E51CA5B6321038C4395D1676400_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_DBADA2FC7D6059CEA5F7614B5F4B9C00" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_62041E51CA5B6321038C4395D1676400_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_63566F72B4E25D59B94FEFC19A30C7C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_DBADA2FC7D6059CEA5F7614B5F4B9C00" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_63566F72B4E25D59B94FEFC19A30C7C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_E34D23882DCB5CD0900AD7CC502DD40B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_63566F72B4E25D59B94FEFC19A30C7C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_E34D23882DCB5CD0900AD7CC502DD40B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FFB62DCE6A9E5E819ED4A5B1337D9E0A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_4F964C770910592EBA52E6FAC22459A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FFB62DCE6A9E5E819ED4A5B1337D9E0A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2E68F2F002501B7A4DC74395D1673F5F_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FFB62DCE6A9E5E819ED4A5B1337D9E0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2E68F2F002501B7A4DC74395D1673F5F_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_6480CF1C06185E1D8DD0F599039E7DFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_FFB62DCE6A9E5E819ED4A5B1337D9E0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_6480CF1C06185E1D8DD0F599039E7DFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_690CA5ACF48B5DD6939F72972B5B360A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_6480CF1C06185E1D8DD0F599039E7DFB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_690CA5ACF48B5DD6939F72972B5B360A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_E790990FA50158F188D5C415E970091E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_6480CF1C06185E1D8DD0F599039E7DFB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_E790990FA50158F188D5C415E970091E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis_4BCF44B5C57356CDA8600E96052BA16B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_4F964C770910592EBA52E6FAC22459A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis_4BCF44B5C57356CDA8600E96052BA16B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain_F1F9A46EF264004FE70F4395D169D590_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis_4BCF44B5C57356CDA8600E96052BA16B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain_F1F9A46EF264004FE70F4395D169D590_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain_18D1EF05543053148EE3449CBBAC6FF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis_4BCF44B5C57356CDA8600E96052BA16B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain_18D1EF05543053148EE3449CBBAC6FF5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_PromissoryNoteMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_PromissoryNoteMember_C9D84478898958838B187782368444B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain_18D1EF05543053148EE3449CBBAC6FF5" xlink:to="loc_hurn_PromissoryNoteMember_C9D84478898958838B187782368444B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_96BB0E34FEB75350B53F1A8E1C885B0B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_4F964C770910592EBA52E6FAC22459A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_96BB0E34FEB75350B53F1A8E1C885B0B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_17F5688B325B4F784B114395D1698AC4_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_96BB0E34FEB75350B53F1A8E1C885B0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_17F5688B325B4F784B114395D1698AC4_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_D0280D56624F5BF0886518CD733853AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_96BB0E34FEB75350B53F1A8E1C885B0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_D0280D56624F5BF0886518CD733853AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember_396A0272E589586395514BB3E2745E76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_D0280D56624F5BF0886518CD733853AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember_396A0272E589586395514BB3E2745E76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_B8F89B9059615B63AE7577773DC8E20F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_4F964C770910592EBA52E6FAC22459A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_B8F89B9059615B63AE7577773DC8E20F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_9EE4405CE90F5597263B4395D16944F6_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_B8F89B9059615B63AE7577773DC8E20F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_9EE4405CE90F5597263B4395D16944F6_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_6204A5B4EC9550149B383B0C446F123F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_B8F89B9059615B63AE7577773DC8E20F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_6204A5B4EC9550149B383B0C446F123F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_00218FE5BFAF5F3BB9E15A0748EBEF50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_6204A5B4EC9550149B383B0C446F123F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_00218FE5BFAF5F3BB9E15A0748EBEF50" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_54B4F1CA8BE558FA938977C153DC38F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_4F964C770910592EBA52E6FAC22459A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_54B4F1CA8BE558FA938977C153DC38F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_E378D2A20A5C79D04EA14395D169477A_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_54B4F1CA8BE558FA938977C153DC38F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_E378D2A20A5C79D04EA14395D169477A_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_71150AB686F15C6783DC7DACFE20C149" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_54B4F1CA8BE558FA938977C153DC38F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_71150AB686F15C6783DC7DACFE20C149" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_ContingentConsiderationLiabilityMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_ContingentConsiderationLiabilityMember_3ACA9FC67F955156B6FFDA35AABCA83A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_71150AB686F15C6783DC7DACFE20C149" xlink:to="loc_hurn_ContingentConsiderationLiabilityMember_3ACA9FC67F955156B6FFDA35AABCA83A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_3231A9A4476854599B36A5798028BAAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_238D0A541D8D537BBBD5A387D5531987" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_3231A9A4476854599B36A5798028BAAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_803DDCECCDF45364B4E952BEE19512B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract_3231A9A4476854599B36A5798028BAAA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_803DDCECCDF45364B4E952BEE19512B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_3045FD75485258699F48587A43FCF36B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_803DDCECCDF45364B4E952BEE19512B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_3045FD75485258699F48587A43FCF36B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_190E9D5998CC53B8B15C4F06BAF07F99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract_803DDCECCDF45364B4E952BEE19512B2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_190E9D5998CC53B8B15C4F06BAF07F99" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsSummaryOfCarryingAmountAndEstimatedFairValueOfConvertibleNotesDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_CarryingAmountsAndEstimatedFairValuesOfFinancialInstrumentsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_hurn_CarryingAmountsAndEstimatedFairValuesOfFinancialInstrumentsLineItems_D87BCF440E715234ABA4AB8B345A8003" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_CarryingAmountsAndEstimatedFairValuesOfFinancialInstrumentsTable" xlink:label="loc_hurn_CarryingAmountsAndEstimatedFairValuesOfFinancialInstrumentsTable_8E16E5C0F64C5CA99BA4F339F26DD3C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_hurn_CarryingAmountsAndEstimatedFairValuesOfFinancialInstrumentsLineItems_D87BCF440E715234ABA4AB8B345A8003" xlink:to="loc_hurn_CarryingAmountsAndEstimatedFairValuesOfFinancialInstrumentsTable_8E16E5C0F64C5CA99BA4F339F26DD3C3" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_DE0D65ED51325FFA8C93DCD20D0609E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_hurn_CarryingAmountsAndEstimatedFairValuesOfFinancialInstrumentsTable_8E16E5C0F64C5CA99BA4F339F26DD3C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_DE0D65ED51325FFA8C93DCD20D0609E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_43E5AE1B321E0856458A3FA417FF9845_B08C84E9C747596B9ADFCB0FF9C20B52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_DE0D65ED51325FFA8C93DCD20D0609E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_43E5AE1B321E0856458A3FA417FF9845_B08C84E9C747596B9ADFCB0FF9C20B52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2D431041422154EE9C624C5C110AB2A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_DE0D65ED51325FFA8C93DCD20D0609E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2D431041422154EE9C624C5C110AB2A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember_F66F81DA59C05EB798BB84F5D5E7D7D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2D431041422154EE9C624C5C110AB2A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember_F66F81DA59C05EB798BB84F5D5E7D7D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_73286A74B5B65209AE20B83216A9FCD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_hurn_CarryingAmountsAndEstimatedFairValuesOfFinancialInstrumentsLineItems_D87BCF440E715234ABA4AB8B345A8003" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_73286A74B5B65209AE20B83216A9FCD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_6E0D0CEF12915BE4B4198788F5FDFA7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_hurn_CarryingAmountsAndEstimatedFairValuesOfFinancialInstrumentsLineItems_D87BCF440E715234ABA4AB8B345A8003" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_6E0D0CEF12915BE4B4198788F5FDFA7B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_125A4F35E7DB5215A75B4385DD8CCF73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_38B0DE75C66354BB853365F69280CC93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_125A4F35E7DB5215A75B4385DD8CCF73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_38B0DE75C66354BB853365F69280CC93" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis_4A0B831A2D145D8A9A26DAFF8281126D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_38B0DE75C66354BB853365F69280CC93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis_4A0B831A2D145D8A9A26DAFF8281126D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain_AB4F1D98DCB19D9380E475BA5AF1E4B2_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis_4A0B831A2D145D8A9A26DAFF8281126D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain_AB4F1D98DCB19D9380E475BA5AF1E4B2_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain_FE89DEEC90F25EE189F60F3BCF76CD71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis_4A0B831A2D145D8A9A26DAFF8281126D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain_FE89DEEC90F25EE189F60F3BCF76CD71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_PromissoryNoteMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_PromissoryNoteMember_B95E028C341558BEB3495F7C78AF8D8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain_FE89DEEC90F25EE189F60F3BCF76CD71" xlink:to="loc_hurn_PromissoryNoteMember_B95E028C341558BEB3495F7C78AF8D8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_9D8A491190BF51AAA7D6F744121C6BF6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_38B0DE75C66354BB853365F69280CC93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_9D8A491190BF51AAA7D6F744121C6BF6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_157CD40FBE794B1B01ED75BA5AF15066_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_9D8A491190BF51AAA7D6F744121C6BF6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_157CD40FBE794B1B01ED75BA5AF15066_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_39549D0439D5584C8B59ABA10D295A61" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_9D8A491190BF51AAA7D6F744121C6BF6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_39549D0439D5584C8B59ABA10D295A61" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember_A652F7C5548E5E43969A1058C40A724F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_39549D0439D5584C8B59ABA10D295A61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember_A652F7C5548E5E43969A1058C40A724F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_C85F9372EDCD5EEBB79700B8498C9A9D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_38B0DE75C66354BB853365F69280CC93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_C85F9372EDCD5EEBB79700B8498C9A9D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_F7406665182406ADB39175BA5AF2D49A_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_C85F9372EDCD5EEBB79700B8498C9A9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_F7406665182406ADB39175BA5AF2D49A_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_8D43476A18025A42BD93A22BAD1C6D7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_C85F9372EDCD5EEBB79700B8498C9A9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_8D43476A18025A42BD93A22BAD1C6D7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_ContingentConsiderationLiabilityMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_ContingentConsiderationLiabilityMember_D438D5BCC37150CD9211F5EA065C40C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_8D43476A18025A42BD93A22BAD1C6D7D" xlink:to="loc_hurn_ContingentConsiderationLiabilityMember_D438D5BCC37150CD9211F5EA065C40C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_F3063E079C495A118F5DA550B635E933" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_38B0DE75C66354BB853365F69280CC93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_F3063E079C495A118F5DA550B635E933" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_046D93F40A81CEC9810175BA5AF28FBE_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_F3063E079C495A118F5DA550B635E933" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_046D93F40A81CEC9810175BA5AF28FBE_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_0A852C47DBB756CDBD6777549A2257B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_F3063E079C495A118F5DA550B635E933" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_0A852C47DBB756CDBD6777549A2257B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_86E2B22267375C0489AD35B9DEC5D858" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_38B0DE75C66354BB853365F69280CC93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_86E2B22267375C0489AD35B9DEC5D858" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_03E9BF7B118F4187D04D75BA5AF29ADB_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_86E2B22267375C0489AD35B9DEC5D858" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_03E9BF7B118F4187D04D75BA5AF29ADB_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_3FA9133A450E540189F7F25D9D302FE6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_86E2B22267375C0489AD35B9DEC5D858" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_3FA9133A450E540189F7F25D9D302FE6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTableTextBlock_D51F63DCB7965D97996A9B6B63C4DDFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_125A4F35E7DB5215A75B4385DD8CCF73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTableTextBlock_D51F63DCB7965D97996A9B6B63C4DDFA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock_56C6562D69A154C59DDC2DCCBAE317B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_125A4F35E7DB5215A75B4385DD8CCF73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock_56C6562D69A154C59DDC2DCCBAE317B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock_B0539C49F843561BB51A201665CBF546" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_125A4F35E7DB5215A75B4385DD8CCF73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock_B0539C49F843561BB51A201665CBF546" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCarryingValuesAndEstimatedFairValuesOfDebtInstrumentsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCarryingValuesAndEstimatedFairValuesOfDebtInstrumentsTableTextBlock_5839B88A9A6758CAB24014B354746C32" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_125A4F35E7DB5215A75B4385DD8CCF73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCarryingValuesAndEstimatedFairValuesOfDebtInstrumentsTableTextBlock_5839B88A9A6758CAB24014B354746C32" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/FinancingArrangements" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/FinancingArrangementsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_8C0FC90A8BB7E7A1E4CF53FBFB6052BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_8C0FC90A8BB7E7A1E4CF53FBFB6052BF" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_DAFD61DDC9BCD381654853FBFB6003E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_8C0FC90A8BB7E7A1E4CF53FBFB6052BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_DAFD61DDC9BCD381654853FBFB6003E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_459263F12AC94A8FC8A553FBFB608665_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_DAFD61DDC9BCD381654853FBFB6003E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_459263F12AC94A8FC8A553FBFB608665_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_459263F12AC94A8FC8A553FBFB608665" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_DAFD61DDC9BCD381654853FBFB6003E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_459263F12AC94A8FC8A553FBFB608665" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AircraftTypeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AircraftTypeMember_FE1E409E81C5B05728DD53FBFB60E6D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_459263F12AC94A8FC8A553FBFB608665" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AircraftTypeMember_FE1E409E81C5B05728DD53FBFB60E6D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_DCD9D566DB3EFE2D74DC53FBFB60AD67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_8C0FC90A8BB7E7A1E4CF53FBFB6052BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_DCD9D566DB3EFE2D74DC53FBFB60AD67" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_6827BD35EC939328CD5C53FBFB605469_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_DCD9D566DB3EFE2D74DC53FBFB60AD67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_6827BD35EC939328CD5C53FBFB605469_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_6827BD35EC939328CD5C53FBFB605469" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_DCD9D566DB3EFE2D74DC53FBFB60AD67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_6827BD35EC939328CD5C53FBFB605469" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember_B247E1C2CF36B0DEC1A353FBFB60B906" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_6827BD35EC939328CD5C53FBFB605469" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember_B247E1C2CF36B0DEC1A353FBFB60B906" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_NoteHedgeMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_NoteHedgeMember_911CC3AE1E592333C7AF53FBFB607735" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_6827BD35EC939328CD5C53FBFB605469" xlink:to="loc_hurn_NoteHedgeMember_911CC3AE1E592333C7AF53FBFB607735" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_SeniorSecuredCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_SeniorSecuredCreditFacilityMember_169BFF27BB3C0D8EAC1B53FBFB60E358" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_6827BD35EC939328CD5C53FBFB605469" xlink:to="loc_hurn_SeniorSecuredCreditFacilityMember_169BFF27BB3C0D8EAC1B53FBFB60E358" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_PromissoryNotedue2024Member" xlink:label="loc_hurn_PromissoryNotedue2024Member_2144E6F74DB4F6ABB78F53FBFB606162" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_6827BD35EC939328CD5C53FBFB605469" xlink:to="loc_hurn_PromissoryNotedue2024Member_2144E6F74DB4F6ABB78F53FBFB606162" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_1B16A84D1F930267E7EF53FBFB604B76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_8C0FC90A8BB7E7A1E4CF53FBFB6052BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_1B16A84D1F930267E7EF53FBFB604B76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_A833E3EC0D6B895E32F653FBFB6042D1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_1B16A84D1F930267E7EF53FBFB604B76" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_A833E3EC0D6B895E32F653FBFB6042D1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_A833E3EC0D6B895E32F653FBFB6042D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_1B16A84D1F930267E7EF53FBFB604B76" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_A833E3EC0D6B895E32F653FBFB6042D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_2348408EF408FA86379753FBFB60BA75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_A833E3EC0D6B895E32F653FBFB6042D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_2348408EF408FA86379753FBFB60BA75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_BAFB0B7729613B9A314C53FBFB60522D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_A833E3EC0D6B895E32F653FBFB6042D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_BAFB0B7729613B9A314C53FBFB60522D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_DDEA071BABBF7204D5AE53FBFB609B65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_8C0FC90A8BB7E7A1E4CF53FBFB6052BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_DDEA071BABBF7204D5AE53FBFB609B65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_715F0760EF4BC734F02F53FBFB60BBF8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_DDEA071BABBF7204D5AE53FBFB609B65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_715F0760EF4BC734F02F53FBFB60BBF8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_715F0760EF4BC734F02F53FBFB60BBF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_DDEA071BABBF7204D5AE53FBFB609B65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_715F0760EF4BC734F02F53FBFB60BBF8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_NoteHedgeMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_NoteHedgeMember_4FB08B023048DC0ACC7F53FBFB60E46D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_715F0760EF4BC734F02F53FBFB60BBF8" xlink:to="loc_hurn_NoteHedgeMember_4FB08B023048DC0ACC7F53FBFB60E46D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WarrantMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WarrantMember_2DD5B483C62CC0F9827553FBFB60E113" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_715F0760EF4BC734F02F53FBFB60BBF8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WarrantMember_2DD5B483C62CC0F9827553FBFB60E113" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_16CDB21BFFE8B6B8E49F53FBFB60C864" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_8C0FC90A8BB7E7A1E4CF53FBFB6052BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_16CDB21BFFE8B6B8E49F53FBFB60C864" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_97112C8BBB417A5BFC0953FBFB60CD70_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_16CDB21BFFE8B6B8E49F53FBFB60C864" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_97112C8BBB417A5BFC0953FBFB60CD70_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_97112C8BBB417A5BFC0953FBFB60CD70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_16CDB21BFFE8B6B8E49F53FBFB60C864" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_97112C8BBB417A5BFC0953FBFB60CD70" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_F05C10BBB15D6922649E53FBFB60F71E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_97112C8BBB417A5BFC0953FBFB60CD70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_F05C10BBB15D6922649E53FBFB60F71E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BaseRateMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BaseRateMember_791D813B01D183AE1AD453FBFB601DFF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_97112C8BBB417A5BFC0953FBFB60CD70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BaseRateMember_791D813B01D183AE1AD453FBFB601DFF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_1A8FC61AAB4590C47DED53FBFB60F6FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_8C0FC90A8BB7E7A1E4CF53FBFB6052BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_1A8FC61AAB4590C47DED53FBFB60F6FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_03A14E1698BDC24FA05A53FBFB60D4F2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_1A8FC61AAB4590C47DED53FBFB60F6FD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_03A14E1698BDC24FA05A53FBFB60D4F2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_03A14E1698BDC24FA05A53FBFB60D4F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_1A8FC61AAB4590C47DED53FBFB60F6FD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_03A14E1698BDC24FA05A53FBFB60D4F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_ScenarioOneLeverageRatioMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_ScenarioOneLeverageRatioMember_F18CE171595E46612DC553FBFB601CFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_03A14E1698BDC24FA05A53FBFB60D4F2" xlink:to="loc_hurn_ScenarioOneLeverageRatioMember_F18CE171595E46612DC553FBFB601CFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_ScenarioTwoLeverageRatioMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_ScenarioTwoLeverageRatioMember_0FAE5D879CA30040BE3153FBFB60613E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_03A14E1698BDC24FA05A53FBFB60D4F2" xlink:to="loc_hurn_ScenarioTwoLeverageRatioMember_0FAE5D879CA30040BE3153FBFB60613E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_E4E56A13FA82E61BE63553FBFB60C6DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_E4E56A13FA82E61BE63553FBFB60C6DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_60129A0EBE03CF2FD54253FBFB608A28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_60129A0EBE03CF2FD54253FBFB608A28" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtConversionOriginalDebtDueDateOfDebtDayMonthAndYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtConversionOriginalDebtDueDateOfDebtDayMonthAndYear_DD965DA3CC21E57D719A53FBFB60C604" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtConversionOriginalDebtDueDateOfDebtDayMonthAndYear_DD965DA3CC21E57D719A53FBFB60C604" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatio1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatio1_283150BD570B1ABFBDE353FBFB603E3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatio1_283150BD570B1ABFBDE353FBFB603E3B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_PrincipalAmountPerNote" xlink:label="loc_hurn_PrincipalAmountPerNote_98E5EA2CF8E17245768A53FBFB60FCB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_hurn_PrincipalAmountPerNote_98E5EA2CF8E17245768A53FBFB60FCB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1_5CB2D17B7CC4ADB8967F53FBFB609427" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1_5CB2D17B7CC4ADB8967F53FBFB609427" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_PercentageOfPrincipalPaidUponExerciseOfPut" xlink:label="loc_hurn_PercentageOfPrincipalPaidUponExerciseOfPut_2298577DE3555D9D4C7653FBFB600E80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_hurn_PercentageOfPrincipalPaidUponExerciseOfPut_2298577DE3555D9D4C7653FBFB600E80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_DebtInstrumentConvertibleDate" xlink:label="loc_hurn_DebtInstrumentConvertibleDate_4C677A7F3C1DC7F92B4A53FBFB603B85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_hurn_DebtInstrumentConvertibleDate_4C677A7F3C1DC7F92B4A53FBFB603B85" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdConsecutiveTradingDays" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdConsecutiveTradingDays_5D33E3FD391130FACC4553FBFB6083AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdConsecutiveTradingDays_5D33E3FD391130FACC4553FBFB6083AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_NumberOfConsecutivePeriodOfTrading" xlink:label="loc_hurn_NumberOfConsecutivePeriodOfTrading_2B514A83D1DC92FA6B1853FBFB6082E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_hurn_NumberOfConsecutivePeriodOfTrading_2B514A83D1DC92FA6B1853FBFB6082E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdPercentageOfStockPriceTrigger" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdPercentageOfStockPriceTrigger_7F4F00313F9FF4EF7B0B53FBFB60F33C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdPercentageOfStockPriceTrigger_7F4F00313F9FF4EF7B0B53FBFB60F33C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_DebtinstrumentConvertibleThresholdofConsecutiveBusinessDaysFollowingConsecutiveTradingDays" xlink:label="loc_hurn_DebtinstrumentConvertibleThresholdofConsecutiveBusinessDaysFollowingConsecutiveTradingDays_8AD50861A33F666828BF53FBFB601DF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_hurn_DebtinstrumentConvertibleThresholdofConsecutiveBusinessDaysFollowingConsecutiveTradingDays_8AD50861A33F666828BF53FBFB601DF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_MinimumTradingPricePercentage" xlink:label="loc_hurn_MinimumTradingPricePercentage_C17A16D2B598BE081DE453FBFB60AEF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_hurn_MinimumTradingPricePercentage_C17A16D2B598BE081DE453FBFB60AEF9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage_10258326C012A5A6048453FBFB600BAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage_10258326C012A5A6048453FBFB600BAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleRemainingDiscountAmortizationPeriod1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleRemainingDiscountAmortizationPeriod1_3F3F85118FB867876E4453FBFB608889" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleRemainingDiscountAmortizationPeriod1_3F3F85118FB867876E4453FBFB608889" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_4054F99201E84CED5EE153FBFB603098" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_4054F99201E84CED5EE153FBFB603098" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_DebtIssuanceCostsAssignedToLiability" xlink:label="loc_hurn_DebtIssuanceCostsAssignedToLiability_AEAD66F63BC15C37EC7553FBFB6044AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_hurn_DebtIssuanceCostsAssignedToLiability_AEAD66F63BC15C37EC7553FBFB6044AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_IssuanceCostsAssignedToEquity" xlink:label="loc_hurn_IssuanceCostsAssignedToEquity_510BCA7D74C2F4C67D3653FBFB605ABC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_hurn_IssuanceCostsAssignedToEquity_510BCA7D74C2F4C67D3653FBFB605ABC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_CommonStockUnderlyingConvertibleSeniorNoteAndRelatedTransactions" xlink:label="loc_hurn_CommonStockUnderlyingConvertibleSeniorNoteAndRelatedTransactions_3F70910DB499172BEA4453FBFB608315" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_hurn_CommonStockUnderlyingConvertibleSeniorNoteAndRelatedTransactions_3F70910DB499172BEA4453FBFB608315" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_PaymentsForNoteHedges" xlink:label="loc_hurn_PaymentsForNoteHedges_2BD4BEE83902F8863EEB53FBFB60CC2C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_hurn_PaymentsForNoteHedges_2BD4BEE83902F8863EEB53FBFB60CC2C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1_0AF808FB0ED76C73C07553FBFB608410" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1_0AF808FB0ED76C73C07553FBFB608410" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants_AB8293DE89FB5B87391A53FBFB60169E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants_AB8293DE89FB5B87391A53FBFB60169E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent_567FEDA4DD55778DB20953FBFB60C97B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent_567FEDA4DD55778DB20953FBFB60C97B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetNoncurrent_02A75770E61C3D79933A53FBFB701E19" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="24" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetNoncurrent_02A75770E61C3D79933A53FBFB701E19" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity_4584F4A75071151EF76753FBFB701456" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="25" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity_4584F4A75071151EF76753FBFB701456" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_PeriodOfRevolvingCreditFacility" xlink:label="loc_hurn_PeriodOfRevolvingCreditFacility_3172A09D9032B12330C153FBFB70C86B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="26" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_hurn_PeriodOfRevolvingCreditFacility_3172A09D9032B12330C153FBFB70C86B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1_20B79CBCFCEBB840E3A353FBFB7018AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="27" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1_20B79CBCFCEBB840E3A353FBFB7018AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_OptionalIncreaseInRevolver" xlink:label="loc_hurn_OptionalIncreaseInRevolver_0AC5497F390D3E7C998653FBFB70633C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="28" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_hurn_OptionalIncreaseInRevolver_0AC5497F390D3E7C998653FBFB70633C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_62A3D24C510D7110DEBF53FBFB70464C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="29" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_62A3D24C510D7110DEBF53FBFB70464C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_4C5A1BAE7B78940B916C53FBFB70F531" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="30" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_4C5A1BAE7B78940B916C53FBFB70F531" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_RequiredPaymentOnRevolverRelatedToConvertibleDebtMaturityTerm" xlink:label="loc_hurn_RequiredPaymentOnRevolverRelatedToConvertibleDebtMaturityTerm_2A3BED815276277BF6E953FBFB7016B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="31" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_hurn_RequiredPaymentOnRevolverRelatedToConvertibleDebtMaturityTerm_2A3BED815276277BF6E953FBFB7016B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_PercentageOfPledgedVotingStockInDomesticSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_hurn_PercentageOfPledgedVotingStockInDomesticSubsidiaries_C938136B7B13A8158BB353FBFB706630" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="32" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_hurn_PercentageOfPledgedVotingStockInDomesticSubsidiaries_C938136B7B13A8158BB353FBFB706630" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_PercentageOfPledgedVotingStockInForeignSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_hurn_PercentageOfPledgedVotingStockInForeignSubsidiaries_F3934296B8919C6A15D753FBFB703C7E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="33" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_hurn_PercentageOfPledgedVotingStockInForeignSubsidiaries_F3934296B8919C6A15D753FBFB703C7E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_DebtInstrumentCovenantConsolidatedLeverageRatioMaximum" xlink:label="loc_hurn_DebtInstrumentCovenantConsolidatedLeverageRatioMaximum_D5206CE25E45D2692D7E53FBFB707FAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="34" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_hurn_DebtInstrumentCovenantConsolidatedLeverageRatioMaximum_D5206CE25E45D2692D7E53FBFB707FAD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_DebtInstrumentCovenantInterestCoverageRatioMinimum" xlink:label="loc_hurn_DebtInstrumentCovenantInterestCoverageRatioMinimum_071071A9A8C4EFF3342F53FBFB7056D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="35" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_hurn_DebtInstrumentCovenantInterestCoverageRatioMinimum_071071A9A8C4EFF3342F53FBFB7056D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_DebtInstrumentCovenantActualConsolidatedLeverageRatio" xlink:label="loc_hurn_DebtInstrumentCovenantActualConsolidatedLeverageRatio_DBA34D698DC6197E2CBF53FBFB70A7D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="36" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_hurn_DebtInstrumentCovenantActualConsolidatedLeverageRatio_DBA34D698DC6197E2CBF53FBFB70A7D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_DebtInstrumentCovenantActualInterestCoverageRatio" xlink:label="loc_hurn_DebtInstrumentCovenantActualInterestCoverageRatio_CC4C005E1274EAB937CE53FBFB70AC25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="37" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_hurn_DebtInstrumentCovenantActualInterestCoverageRatio_CC4C005E1274EAB937CE53FBFB70AC25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_D3A5E47FF59B41A6708453FBFB70ADEE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="38" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_D3A5E47FF59B41A6708453FBFB70ADEE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_B8BC6884937B2506E10753FBFB70F7ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="39" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_B8BC6884937B2506E10753FBFB70F7ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_7C32775511633DC8254353FBFB7055FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="40" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_7C32775511633DC8254353FBFB7055FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_8E27787EB4800A579E7153FBFB705096" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="41" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_8E27787EB4800A579E7153FBFB705096" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate_F64E1842CBCFA2C7B1B953FBFB7009E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="42" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate_F64E1842CBCFA2C7B1B953FBFB7009E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_RepaymentofPrincipalatMaturityDate" xlink:label="loc_hurn_RepaymentofPrincipalatMaturityDate_0FA6CD7163A815FD865853FBFB708A8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="43" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_hurn_RepaymentofPrincipalatMaturityDate_0FA6CD7163A815FD865853FBFB708A8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_DurationOfLibor" xlink:label="loc_hurn_DurationOfLibor_DD1A0D9AD2CAE950979553FBFB7005BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="44" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_hurn_DurationOfLibor_DD1A0D9AD2CAE950979553FBFB7005BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_08676219D4BCBB01037053FBFB70B0B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="45" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AFC5A69102AB0AAC1DD153FBFB607356" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_08676219D4BCBB01037053FBFB70B0B2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/FinancingArrangementsScheduleOfConvertibleNotesDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_ConvertibleSeniorNotesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_hurn_ConvertibleSeniorNotesLineItems_F31BBEAB2F7E5F74874DE0933F26A45E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_9A4B054221FE5BF48D248C16413B1D40" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_hurn_ConvertibleSeniorNotesLineItems_F31BBEAB2F7E5F74874DE0933F26A45E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_9A4B054221FE5BF48D248C16413B1D40" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_F2D5DD385537584CA2476E5D6D8EFAF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_9A4B054221FE5BF48D248C16413B1D40" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_F2D5DD385537584CA2476E5D6D8EFAF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_19222BCC090BAAF1535C3FB3C8BBD10A_B08C84E9C747596B9ADFCB0FF9C20B52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_F2D5DD385537584CA2476E5D6D8EFAF1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_19222BCC090BAAF1535C3FB3C8BBD10A_B08C84E9C747596B9ADFCB0FF9C20B52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_E2C22319584B55DFAF93BF138995CB68" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_F2D5DD385537584CA2476E5D6D8EFAF1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_E2C22319584B55DFAF93BF138995CB68" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember_C4D11A9DBC2F5C06B4989B523E41B966" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_E2C22319584B55DFAF93BF138995CB68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember_C4D11A9DBC2F5C06B4989B523E41B966" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_EB2D1DF5CB7154DB8F1F3A64B5FF00F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_hurn_ConvertibleSeniorNotesLineItems_F31BBEAB2F7E5F74874DE0933F26A45E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_EB2D1DF5CB7154DB8F1F3A64B5FF00F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount_D716137FFF9D59EB87DBCF8EED0208F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_hurn_ConvertibleSeniorNotesLineItems_F31BBEAB2F7E5F74874DE0933F26A45E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount_D716137FFF9D59EB87DBCF8EED0208F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_633CF347BA3D55649D8473EE129DE121" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_hurn_ConvertibleSeniorNotesLineItems_F31BBEAB2F7E5F74874DE0933F26A45E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_633CF347BA3D55649D8473EE129DE121" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_3AC8EA8B605E53DA954909DECF929852" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_hurn_ConvertibleSeniorNotesLineItems_F31BBEAB2F7E5F74874DE0933F26A45E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_3AC8EA8B605E53DA954909DECF929852" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleCarryingAmountOfTheEquityComponent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleCarryingAmountOfTheEquityComponent_6F4F66EB47235B8CA50FA1CC0C4A9E7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_hurn_ConvertibleSeniorNotesLineItems_F31BBEAB2F7E5F74874DE0933F26A45E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleCarryingAmountOfTheEquityComponent_6F4F66EB47235B8CA50FA1CC0C4A9E7B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/FinancingArrangementsScheduleOfMaturitiesOfLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/FinancingArrangementsSummaryOfCarryingAmountsOfDebtDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_04A9F7FFAC985E32BAAAD26AAE08BD10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_A9FC3B5C784E5E4BBD33A29696117132" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_04A9F7FFAC985E32BAAAD26AAE08BD10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_A9FC3B5C784E5E4BBD33A29696117132" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_E019B524608351D193D33EAB0AC9B752" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_A9FC3B5C784E5E4BBD33A29696117132" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_E019B524608351D193D33EAB0AC9B752" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_80EA167CEEDB727CF199811E66E21200_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_E019B524608351D193D33EAB0AC9B752" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_80EA167CEEDB727CF199811E66E21200_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_B423BAE440D15D9D82C086486542E5D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_E019B524608351D193D33EAB0AC9B752" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_B423BAE440D15D9D82C086486542E5D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember_EF807E74196A5FC184D30FB6B4832D7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_B423BAE440D15D9D82C086486542E5D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember_EF807E74196A5FC184D30FB6B4832D7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_SeniorSecuredCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_SeniorSecuredCreditFacilityMember_C75E5AC3EA705D97A060A317CA7CD76D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_B423BAE440D15D9D82C086486542E5D2" xlink:to="loc_hurn_SeniorSecuredCreditFacilityMember_C75E5AC3EA705D97A060A317CA7CD76D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_PromissoryNotedue2024Member" xlink:label="loc_hurn_PromissoryNotedue2024Member_845D96D8686F5065BD6638FFBBBBE9E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_B423BAE440D15D9D82C086486542E5D2" xlink:to="loc_hurn_PromissoryNotedue2024Member_845D96D8686F5065BD6638FFBBBBE9E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_F5CE44C4E3A358C7A40D3E7B656E148C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_04A9F7FFAC985E32BAAAD26AAE08BD10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_F5CE44C4E3A358C7A40D3E7B656E148C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_F63556E1E0A45693B88C494D853B6239" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_04A9F7FFAC985E32BAAAD26AAE08BD10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_F63556E1E0A45693B88C494D853B6239" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_D284E00A18115DAF86DE34048EBE7C56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_04A9F7FFAC985E32BAAAD26AAE08BD10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_D284E00A18115DAF86DE34048EBE7C56" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/FinancingArrangementsSummaryOfInterestExpenseRecognizedDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_InterestExpenseRecognizedLineItems" xlink:label="loc_hurn_InterestExpenseRecognizedLineItems_9134879A598C6FDAE9DB4A70B00164DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_InterestExpenseRecognizedTable" xlink:label="loc_hurn_InterestExpenseRecognizedTable_98269C3EB51A4A1B52744A70B001698D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_hurn_InterestExpenseRecognizedLineItems_9134879A598C6FDAE9DB4A70B00164DA" xlink:to="loc_hurn_InterestExpenseRecognizedTable_98269C3EB51A4A1B52744A70B001698D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_8FD229990EC7DF8062424A70B00145E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_hurn_InterestExpenseRecognizedTable_98269C3EB51A4A1B52744A70B001698D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_8FD229990EC7DF8062424A70B00145E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_8D8606222E12603BBD134A70B001BBDE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_8FD229990EC7DF8062424A70B00145E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_8D8606222E12603BBD134A70B001BBDE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_8D8606222E12603BBD134A70B001BBDE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_8FD229990EC7DF8062424A70B00145E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_8D8606222E12603BBD134A70B001BBDE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember_B19F037DE84DD45BF0C74A70B0013F2E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_8D8606222E12603BBD134A70B001BBDE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember_B19F037DE84DD45BF0C74A70B0013F2E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebtExcludingAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebtExcludingAmortization_5DF05243EE1608404CB34A70B0025159" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_hurn_InterestExpenseRecognizedLineItems_9134879A598C6FDAE9DB4A70B00164DA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebtExcludingAmortization_5DF05243EE1608404CB34A70B0025159" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium_06E17FFA9A3CDBF58CD84A70B002AC62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_hurn_InterestExpenseRecognizedLineItems_9134879A598C6FDAE9DB4A70B00164DA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium_06E17FFA9A3CDBF58CD84A70B002AC62" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_E57BFDA26F1D639E63ED4A70B0020492" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_hurn_InterestExpenseRecognizedLineItems_9134879A598C6FDAE9DB4A70B00164DA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_E57BFDA26F1D639E63ED4A70B0020492" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt_ED5CE7B7062805FEFC174A70B0024851" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_hurn_InterestExpenseRecognizedLineItems_9134879A598C6FDAE9DB4A70B00164DA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt_ED5CE7B7062805FEFC174A70B0024851" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/FinancingArrangementsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssets" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseDetail" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsChangesInCarryingAmountOfGoodwillDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_0FF723BCA926534714FC4A334E8E3782" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_71DA6166D2DE3AC777B24A334E8DF603" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_0FF723BCA926534714FC4A334E8E3782" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_71DA6166D2DE3AC777B24A334E8DF603" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_463B19C6B799550D8F604A334E8D3CA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_71DA6166D2DE3AC777B24A334E8DF603" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_463B19C6B799550D8F604A334E8D3CA0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7AD39B9EDC6506D3B5654A334E8DC7D7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_463B19C6B799550D8F604A334E8D3CA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7AD39B9EDC6506D3B5654A334E8DC7D7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7AD39B9EDC6506D3B5654A334E8DC7D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_463B19C6B799550D8F604A334E8D3CA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7AD39B9EDC6506D3B5654A334E8DC7D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_HealthCareMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_HealthCareMember_99F37D438B6109EF9A9C4A334E8D0014" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7AD39B9EDC6506D3B5654A334E8DC7D7" xlink:to="loc_hurn_HealthCareMember_99F37D438B6109EF9A9C4A334E8D0014" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_EducationMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_EducationMember_B378D9E913FE26C9A3634A334E8DAA7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7AD39B9EDC6506D3B5654A334E8DC7D7" xlink:to="loc_hurn_EducationMember_B378D9E913FE26C9A3634A334E8DAA7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_BusinessAdvisoryMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_BusinessAdvisoryMember_8E152295D6B520485B674A334E8DF974" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7AD39B9EDC6506D3B5654A334E8DC7D7" xlink:to="loc_hurn_BusinessAdvisoryMember_8E152295D6B520485B674A334E8DF974" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillGross_2836C2D4C3103E657AF74A334E8EB0DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_0FF723BCA926534714FC4A334E8E3782" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillGross_2836C2D4C3103E657AF74A334E8EB0DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss_E7139E083B0169A498074A334E8E9795" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_0FF723BCA926534714FC4A334E8E3782" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss_E7139E083B0169A498074A334E8E9795" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_38E12E9D0D3ACAF451CE4A334E8E4C83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_0FF723BCA926534714FC4A334E8E3782" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_38E12E9D0D3ACAF451CE4A334E8E4C83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_33172C3C31CF06E5B9504A334E8EE862" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_38E12E9D0D3ACAF451CE4A334E8E4C83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_33172C3C31CF06E5B9504A334E8EE862" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod_A0E87A3D0E40398999F34A334E8E5373" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_38E12E9D0D3ACAF451CE4A334E8E4C83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod_A0E87A3D0E40398999F34A334E8E5373" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_9A89E5A92A06A712EE544A334E8E5C5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_38E12E9D0D3ACAF451CE4A334E8E4C83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_9A89E5A92A06A712EE544A334E8E5C5C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillTransfers" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillTransfers_72C90C9C65C770EF40224A334E8EFF11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_38E12E9D0D3ACAF451CE4A334E8E4C83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillTransfers_72C90C9C65C770EF40224A334E8EFF11" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillWrittenOffRelatedToSaleOfBusinessUnit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillWrittenOffRelatedToSaleOfBusinessUnit_291F3F5832BB40A420B94A334E8EC3CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_38E12E9D0D3ACAF451CE4A334E8E4C83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillWrittenOffRelatedToSaleOfBusinessUnit_291F3F5832BB40A420B94A334E8EC3CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLoss_D1139BA3F8E491F428AB4A36C0CACFAC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_38E12E9D0D3ACAF451CE4A334E8E4C83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLoss_D1139BA3F8E491F428AB4A36C0CACFAC" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_0FD8B55D5B81631CBDC24A350F82115E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_984280EE2A4A392314E14A350F826C45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_0FD8B55D5B81631CBDC24A350F82115E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_984280EE2A4A392314E14A350F826C45" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_C402E7D55102FB6BBED54A350F8276B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_984280EE2A4A392314E14A350F826C45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_C402E7D55102FB6BBED54A350F8276B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_F073362EA4EA626EDF984A350F82C742_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_C402E7D55102FB6BBED54A350F8276B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_F073362EA4EA626EDF984A350F82C742_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_F073362EA4EA626EDF984A350F82C742" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_C402E7D55102FB6BBED54A350F8276B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_F073362EA4EA626EDF984A350F82C742" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_A70A628005CD823B649C4A350F8231BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_984280EE2A4A392314E14A350F826C45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_A70A628005CD823B649C4A350F8231BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_AA20074EDEC887F9E4D14A350F82C3C6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_A70A628005CD823B649C4A350F8231BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_AA20074EDEC887F9E4D14A350F82C3C6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_AA20074EDEC887F9E4D14A350F82C3C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_A70A628005CD823B649C4A350F8231BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_AA20074EDEC887F9E4D14A350F82C3C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_HealthCareMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_HealthCareMember_5927C0F6B12572E40BB24A350F82895A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_AA20074EDEC887F9E4D14A350F82C3C6" xlink:to="loc_hurn_HealthCareMember_5927C0F6B12572E40BB24A350F82895A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_EducationMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_EducationMember_BF385E98A50BD4A226124A350F8297F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_AA20074EDEC887F9E4D14A350F82C3C6" xlink:to="loc_hurn_EducationMember_BF385E98A50BD4A226124A350F8297F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillWrittenOffRelatedToSaleOfBusinessUnit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillWrittenOffRelatedToSaleOfBusinessUnit_D6C6D92B4EF5771BBE794A350F83F52E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_0FD8B55D5B81631CBDC24A350F82115E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillWrittenOffRelatedToSaleOfBusinessUnit_D6C6D92B4EF5771BBE794A350F83F52E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness_D45F3ECB6E49E73ACDA94A350F83BF6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_0FD8B55D5B81631CBDC24A350F82115E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness_D45F3ECB6E49E73ACDA94A350F83BF6F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_61DBB3FCB99C6A2CFD4A4A350F83CABC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_0FD8B55D5B81631CBDC24A350F82115E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_61DBB3FCB99C6A2CFD4A4A350F83CABC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments_D3D3E926A593FCA10F0A4A350F83DC63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_0FD8B55D5B81631CBDC24A350F82115E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments_D3D3E926A593FCA10F0A4A350F83DC63" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfReportingUnits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfReportingUnits_DA7B6C4163BF6313CD7A4A350F834F89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_0FD8B55D5B81631CBDC24A350F82115E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfReportingUnits_DA7B6C4163BF6313CD7A4A350F834F89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillTransfers" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillTransfers_43A26A6FFF56F1D8E5254A350F83376D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_0FD8B55D5B81631CBDC24A350F82115E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillTransfers_43A26A6FFF56F1D8E5254A350F83376D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssetsDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_D3EACB6B760906A917C953DCCB9A7C36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_A059C41A50F39AACF31B53DCCB9A2A87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_D3EACB6B760906A917C953DCCB9A7C36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_A059C41A50F39AACF31B53DCCB9A2A87" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_E73A23D507490BF9C3A653DCCB9AC88B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_A059C41A50F39AACF31B53DCCB9A2A87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_E73A23D507490BF9C3A653DCCB9AC88B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_5F6D9B82BE416691149D53DCCB9AAA45_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_E73A23D507490BF9C3A653DCCB9AC88B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_5F6D9B82BE416691149D53DCCB9AAA45_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_5F6D9B82BE416691149D53DCCB9AAA45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_E73A23D507490BF9C3A653DCCB9AC88B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_5F6D9B82BE416691149D53DCCB9AAA45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_MyRoundingMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_MyRoundingMember_9916329C549852D39F2153DCCB9A8C03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_5F6D9B82BE416691149D53DCCB9AAA45" xlink:to="loc_hurn_MyRoundingMember_9916329C549852D39F2153DCCB9A8C03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_1E81061F9DAA820EACFD53DCCB9AF19E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_A059C41A50F39AACF31B53DCCB9A2A87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_1E81061F9DAA820EACFD53DCCB9AF19E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_61E3800AD40C06C33DE353DCCB9AF455_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_1E81061F9DAA820EACFD53DCCB9AF19E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_61E3800AD40C06C33DE353DCCB9AF455_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_61E3800AD40C06C33DE353DCCB9AF455" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_1E81061F9DAA820EACFD53DCCB9AF19E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_61E3800AD40C06C33DE353DCCB9AF455" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_A8B6A48A98EBE062376153DCCB9A0534" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_61E3800AD40C06C33DE353DCCB9AF455" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_A8B6A48A98EBE062376153DCCB9A0534" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_E56A43AE74FFFBA3D42E53DCCB9A864C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_61E3800AD40C06C33DE353DCCB9AF455" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_E56A43AE74FFFBA3D42E53DCCB9A864C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerContractsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerContractsMember_6C645507CECC183D17B453DCCB9A0EA8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_61E3800AD40C06C33DE353DCCB9AF455" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerContractsMember_6C645507CECC183D17B453DCCB9A0EA8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_TechnologyAndSoftwareMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_TechnologyAndSoftwareMember_AB644725C85F92DEE36E53DCCB9A08B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_61E3800AD40C06C33DE353DCCB9AF455" xlink:to="loc_hurn_TechnologyAndSoftwareMember_AB644725C85F92DEE36E53DCCB9A08B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember_5E22DD570E78686E728353DCCB9A948F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_61E3800AD40C06C33DE353DCCB9AF455" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember_5E22DD570E78686E728353DCCB9A948F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_PublishingContentMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_PublishingContentMember_D567E1DD3E262B95AEAF53DCCB9A3D6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_61E3800AD40C06C33DE353DCCB9AF455" xlink:to="loc_hurn_PublishingContentMember_D567E1DD3E262B95AEAF53DCCB9A3D6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OffMarketFavorableLeaseMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OffMarketFavorableLeaseMember_AC9A1490DC829F93C56253DCCB9A2B51" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_61E3800AD40C06C33DE353DCCB9AF455" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OffMarketFavorableLeaseMember_AC9A1490DC829F93C56253DCCB9A2B51" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InProcessResearchAndDevelopmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InProcessResearchAndDevelopmentMember_A4409CA9CFD5E717265453DCCB9A96EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_61E3800AD40C06C33DE353DCCB9AF455" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InProcessResearchAndDevelopmentMember_A4409CA9CFD5E717265453DCCB9A96EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_4E908F1E980F50B52E3553DCCB9A8E9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_A059C41A50F39AACF31B53DCCB9A2A87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_4E908F1E980F50B52E3553DCCB9A8E9F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_428C65E2642B6963299F53DCCB9A3075_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_4E908F1E980F50B52E3553DCCB9A8E9F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_428C65E2642B6963299F53DCCB9A3075_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_428C65E2642B6963299F53DCCB9A3075" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_4E908F1E980F50B52E3553DCCB9A8E9F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_428C65E2642B6963299F53DCCB9A3075" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_B0381CE22F34D4C0747B53DCCB9AEF20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_428C65E2642B6963299F53DCCB9A3075" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_B0381CE22F34D4C0747B53DCCB9AEF20" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_8B301D1DFFD5474020D053DCCB9A0557" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_428C65E2642B6963299F53DCCB9A3075" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_8B301D1DFFD5474020D053DCCB9A0557" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract_CA31B4EB014522D88EAC53DCCB9AFE11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_D3EACB6B760906A917C953DCCB9A7C36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract_CA31B4EB014522D88EAC53DCCB9AFE11" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_6E2988976EC8C9FBC23A53DCCB9A2DDD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract_CA31B4EB014522D88EAC53DCCB9AFE11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_6E2988976EC8C9FBC23A53DCCB9A2DDD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_0A810D530267D9EC131453DCCB9AADA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract_CA31B4EB014522D88EAC53DCCB9AFE11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_0A810D530267D9EC131453DCCB9AADA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_757E65489AC522C3E04553DCCB9AD58C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract_CA31B4EB014522D88EAC53DCCB9AFE11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_757E65489AC522C3E04553DCCB9AD58C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_32C42A3A28B4E6FBBB1F53DCCB9ACE27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract_CA31B4EB014522D88EAC53DCCB9AFE11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_32C42A3A28B4E6FBBB1F53DCCB9ACE27" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/IncomeTaxesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_IncomeTaxDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="loc_hurn_IncomeTaxDisclosureLineItems_186F8583FF48821CDF7977CCBEB35AC9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_IncomeTaxDisclosureTable" xlink:label="loc_hurn_IncomeTaxDisclosureTable_B937E0067BE695CB406677CCBEB38B85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_hurn_IncomeTaxDisclosureLineItems_186F8583FF48821CDF7977CCBEB35AC9" xlink:to="loc_hurn_IncomeTaxDisclosureTable_B937E0067BE695CB406677CCBEB38B85" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_BF00DF125491782481E677D7B1AB68F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_hurn_IncomeTaxDisclosureTable_B937E0067BE695CB406677CCBEB38B85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_BF00DF125491782481E677D7B1AB68F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_D09E032238E4F86F52D677D7B1B5FCF8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_BF00DF125491782481E677D7B1AB68F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_D09E032238E4F86F52D677D7B1B5FCF8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_D09E032238E4F86F52D677D7B1B5FCF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_BF00DF125491782481E677D7B1AB68F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_D09E032238E4F86F52D677D7B1B5FCF8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_DeferredTaxAssetNetNoncurrentMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_DeferredTaxAssetNetNoncurrentMember_6198831312B94B9240F777D7B27781FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_D09E032238E4F86F52D677D7B1B5FCF8" xlink:to="loc_hurn_DeferredTaxAssetNetNoncurrentMember_6198831312B94B9240F777D7B27781FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_DA2785D2CB9D32FD441F77CCBEB35E16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_hurn_IncomeTaxDisclosureTable_B937E0067BE695CB406677CCBEB38B85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_DA2785D2CB9D32FD441F77CCBEB35E16" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7D07EBDEACB2E2DF03CD77CCBEB3B54F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_DA2785D2CB9D32FD441F77CCBEB35E16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7D07EBDEACB2E2DF03CD77CCBEB3B54F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7D07EBDEACB2E2DF03CD77CCBEB3B54F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_DA2785D2CB9D32FD441F77CCBEB35E16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7D07EBDEACB2E2DF03CD77CCBEB3B54F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_HealthCareMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_HealthCareMember_0B07CD6098F3C7DE50A977CCBEB325A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7D07EBDEACB2E2DF03CD77CCBEB3B54F" xlink:to="loc_hurn_HealthCareMember_0B07CD6098F3C7DE50A977CCBEB325A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_7E665785261A8C735E6777CCBEB32264" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_hurn_IncomeTaxDisclosureTable_B937E0067BE695CB406677CCBEB38B85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_7E665785261A8C735E6777CCBEB32264" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_B503AFCA32A163DA4F2877CCBEB3B04D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_7E665785261A8C735E6777CCBEB32264" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_B503AFCA32A163DA4F2877CCBEB3B04D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_B503AFCA32A163DA4F2877CCBEB3B04D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_7E665785261A8C735E6777CCBEB32264" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_B503AFCA32A163DA4F2877CCBEB3B04D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_IncomeTaxExpenseMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_IncomeTaxExpenseMember_F744D4D7721A0676E02977CCBEB3F000" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_B503AFCA32A163DA4F2877CCBEB3B04D" xlink:to="loc_hurn_IncomeTaxExpenseMember_F744D4D7721A0676E02977CCBEB3F000" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ErrorCorrectionsAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentsRestatementByRestatementPeriodAndAmountAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ErrorCorrectionsAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentsRestatementByRestatementPeriodAndAmountAxis_6FEA8D4E05E7C7D57C3A77CCBEB3EB36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_hurn_IncomeTaxDisclosureTable_B937E0067BE695CB406677CCBEB38B85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ErrorCorrectionsAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentsRestatementByRestatementPeriodAndAmountAxis_6FEA8D4E05E7C7D57C3A77CCBEB3EB36" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForErrorCorrectionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForErrorCorrectionDomain_E24FC93643CE8B1895E077CCBEB36FBC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ErrorCorrectionsAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentsRestatementByRestatementPeriodAndAmountAxis_6FEA8D4E05E7C7D57C3A77CCBEB3EB36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForErrorCorrectionDomain_E24FC93643CE8B1895E077CCBEB36FBC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForErrorCorrectionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForErrorCorrectionDomain_E24FC93643CE8B1895E077CCBEB36FBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ErrorCorrectionsAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentsRestatementByRestatementPeriodAndAmountAxis_6FEA8D4E05E7C7D57C3A77CCBEB3EB36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForErrorCorrectionDomain_E24FC93643CE8B1895E077CCBEB36FBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_AdjustmentforErrorCorrectionMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_AdjustmentforErrorCorrectionMember_AE67D1CA446810EB862C77CCBEB36BF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForErrorCorrectionDomain_E24FC93643CE8B1895E077CCBEB36FBC" xlink:to="loc_hurn_AdjustmentforErrorCorrectionMember_AE67D1CA446810EB862C77CCBEB36BF9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_NetIncomeTaxBenefitRecognizedFromIntercompanyReceivableWriteOff" xlink:label="loc_hurn_NetIncomeTaxBenefitRecognizedFromIntercompanyReceivableWriteOff_551E2A3B8FA05EF1AC1977CCBEB44816" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_hurn_IncomeTaxDisclosureLineItems_186F8583FF48821CDF7977CCBEB35AC9" xlink:to="loc_hurn_NetIncomeTaxBenefitRecognizedFromIntercompanyReceivableWriteOff_551E2A3B8FA05EF1AC1977CCBEB44816" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ErrorCorrectionsAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentsDescription" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ErrorCorrectionsAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentsDescription_B7EFEABC398D3FFA761377D7B10F371A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_hurn_IncomeTaxDisclosureLineItems_186F8583FF48821CDF7977CCBEB35AC9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ErrorCorrectionsAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentsDescription_B7EFEABC398D3FFA761377D7B10F371A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_GoodwillImpairmentLossNotDeductibleforTaxPurposes" xlink:label="loc_hurn_GoodwillImpairmentLossNotDeductibleforTaxPurposes_243FE9C3E9D4ACB89D4B77CCBEB4C589" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_hurn_IncomeTaxDisclosureLineItems_186F8583FF48821CDF7977CCBEB35AC9" xlink:to="loc_hurn_GoodwillImpairmentLossNotDeductibleforTaxPurposes_243FE9C3E9D4ACB89D4B77CCBEB4C589" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification_6E1DF17B04F9EF0811DA77CCBEB4F384" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_hurn_IncomeTaxDisclosureLineItems_186F8583FF48821CDF7977CCBEB35AC9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification_6E1DF17B04F9EF0811DA77CCBEB4F384" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_2BA407CE77B959113D0377CCBEB4ECBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_hurn_IncomeTaxDisclosureLineItems_186F8583FF48821CDF7977CCBEB35AC9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_2BA407CE77B959113D0377CCBEB4ECBC" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/NewAccountingPronouncements" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/NewAccountingPronouncementsNewAccountingPronouncementsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_5A715C6985E15CB69B14F4A022147681" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_978AC8FAB6735F0DA9BB6599832319E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_5A715C6985E15CB69B14F4A022147681" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_978AC8FAB6735F0DA9BB6599832319E9" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_AC5FD2DAAD915A6ABF70CDD0122B9CCF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_978AC8FAB6735F0DA9BB6599832319E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_AC5FD2DAAD915A6ABF70CDD0122B9CCF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_565A981044890E22964D567AC74AE7B6_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_AC5FD2DAAD915A6ABF70CDD0122B9CCF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_565A981044890E22964D567AC74AE7B6_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_D11BC91AD9695915898411F4D6F3670A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_AC5FD2DAAD915A6ABF70CDD0122B9CCF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_D11BC91AD9695915898411F4D6F3670A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_IncomeTaxExpenseMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_IncomeTaxExpenseMember_BECBDF7CAEDC5C62958D285BADE1E1BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_D11BC91AD9695915898411F4D6F3670A" xlink:to="loc_hurn_IncomeTaxExpenseMember_BECBDF7CAEDC5C62958D285BADE1E1BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification_B957F30B630B58DE8A1A398D8495B036" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_5A715C6985E15CB69B14F4A022147681" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification_B957F30B630B58DE8A1A398D8495B036" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivities_6FD361C6EA795C1DB90A8D312517D718" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_5A715C6985E15CB69B14F4A022147681" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivities_6FD361C6EA795C1DB90A8D312517D718" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_StockBasedCompensationForfeitureAllowance" xlink:label="loc_hurn_StockBasedCompensationForfeitureAllowance_56B87390145E5943BF765C5A7DE0CCD6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_5A715C6985E15CB69B14F4A022147681" xlink:to="loc_hurn_StockBasedCompensationForfeitureAllowance_56B87390145E5943BF765C5A7DE0CCD6" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/OtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossComponentsOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossNetOfTaxDetail" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossComponentsOfOtherComprehensiveLossNetOfTaxDetail" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/RestructuringCharges" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/RestructuringChargesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_BA27E162857DCB5702D44EA3E8F633D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_4E83E7C5B398405A15984EA3E8F5C152" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_BA27E162857DCB5702D44EA3E8F633D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_4E83E7C5B398405A15984EA3E8F5C152" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_C318FA3405C24BCB5FA64EA3E8F58956" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_4E83E7C5B398405A15984EA3E8F5C152" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_C318FA3405C24BCB5FA64EA3E8F58956" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_835F452C59721BC9D5DD4EA3E8F5D9E9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_C318FA3405C24BCB5FA64EA3E8F58956" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_835F452C59721BC9D5DD4EA3E8F5D9E9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_835F452C59721BC9D5DD4EA3E8F5D9E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_C318FA3405C24BCB5FA64EA3E8F58956" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_835F452C59721BC9D5DD4EA3E8F5D9E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDiscontinuedOperationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDiscontinuedOperationsMember_F26E871317A634CEB4334EA3E8F55469" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_835F452C59721BC9D5DD4EA3E8F5D9E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDiscontinuedOperationsMember_F26E871317A634CEB4334EA3E8F55469" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_D3284AE2E0ED40910F404EA3E8F5DBED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_4E83E7C5B398405A15984EA3E8F5C152" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_D3284AE2E0ED40910F404EA3E8F5DBED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_EAD9AE6CC8D47BB791724EA3E8F5EBAE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_D3284AE2E0ED40910F404EA3E8F5DBED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_EAD9AE6CC8D47BB791724EA3E8F5EBAE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_EAD9AE6CC8D47BB791724EA3E8F5EBAE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_D3284AE2E0ED40910F404EA3E8F5DBED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_EAD9AE6CC8D47BB791724EA3E8F5EBAE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember_E8E8BA23DE6BBBACA7014EA3E8F58F18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_EAD9AE6CC8D47BB791724EA3E8F5EBAE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember_E8E8BA23DE6BBBACA7014EA3E8F58F18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_OfficeSpaceReductionsMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_OfficeSpaceReductionsMember_89894E25D5CA5F28BCDD4EA3E8F6C6AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_EAD9AE6CC8D47BB791724EA3E8F5EBAE" xlink:to="loc_hurn_OfficeSpaceReductionsMember_89894E25D5CA5F28BCDD4EA3E8F6C6AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember_803DD17A9AAEC61A2E2E4EA3E8F6A986" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_EAD9AE6CC8D47BB791724EA3E8F5EBAE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember_803DD17A9AAEC61A2E2E4EA3E8F6A986" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_66EB025C35F79940E73E4EA3E8F682B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_4E83E7C5B398405A15984EA3E8F5C152" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_66EB025C35F79940E73E4EA3E8F682B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_3C634BA3BA4E4DB32CA14EA3E8F6B53A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_66EB025C35F79940E73E4EA3E8F682B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_3C634BA3BA4E4DB32CA14EA3E8F6B53A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_3C634BA3BA4E4DB32CA14EA3E8F6B53A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_66EB025C35F79940E73E4EA3E8F682B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_3C634BA3BA4E4DB32CA14EA3E8F6B53A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_HealthCareMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_HealthCareMember_65540936D0ABA19598F34EA3E8F68011" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_3C634BA3BA4E4DB32CA14EA3E8F6B53A" xlink:to="loc_hurn_HealthCareMember_65540936D0ABA19598F34EA3E8F68011" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_75E51B0BDFD94655DC4A4EA3E8F6B6D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_3C634BA3BA4E4DB32CA14EA3E8F6B53A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_75E51B0BDFD94655DC4A4EA3E8F6B6D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_HuronLegalMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_HuronLegalMember_1CDE41A9EF4435BAD8614EA3E8F6E9EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_3C634BA3BA4E4DB32CA14EA3E8F6B53A" xlink:to="loc_hurn_HuronLegalMember_1CDE41A9EF4435BAD8614EA3E8F6E9EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringChargesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringChargesAbstract_EE2D14D1B2B27CBCF9834EA3E8F6384B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_BA27E162857DCB5702D44EA3E8F633D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringChargesAbstract_EE2D14D1B2B27CBCF9834EA3E8F6384B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_A9D676B6667A3AB8880C4EA3E8F66E4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringChargesAbstract_EE2D14D1B2B27CBCF9834EA3E8F6384B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_A9D676B6667A3AB8880C4EA3E8F66E4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringReserve" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserve_DFDBFE04EC0CC094FD214EA3E8F6EEFF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringChargesAbstract_EE2D14D1B2B27CBCF9834EA3E8F6384B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserve_DFDBFE04EC0CC094FD214EA3E8F6EEFF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/RestructuringChargesRestructuringLiabilityRollforwardDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_62104847FEC45987A4B6E1F96F778A88" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_E0AA4053BBD858D1A6540C691AD71CFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_62104847FEC45987A4B6E1F96F778A88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_E0AA4053BBD858D1A6540C691AD71CFA" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_8B0D5FAA980D547A851831F8B6EF79BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_E0AA4053BBD858D1A6540C691AD71CFA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_8B0D5FAA980D547A851831F8B6EF79BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_2154F5427DDF355DB993683A57024B08_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_8B0D5FAA980D547A851831F8B6EF79BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_2154F5427DDF355DB993683A57024B08_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_E243590B9B5E5F379C3CAD424C76ABEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_8B0D5FAA980D547A851831F8B6EF79BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_E243590B9B5E5F379C3CAD424C76ABEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember_FB7D0CAC6982511E974A5CF9674A46A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_E243590B9B5E5F379C3CAD424C76ABEC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember_FB7D0CAC6982511E974A5CF9674A46A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_OfficeSpaceReductionsMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_OfficeSpaceReductionsMember_C8714D16A43254BC9D73668D66F324E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_E243590B9B5E5F379C3CAD424C76ABEC" xlink:to="loc_hurn_OfficeSpaceReductionsMember_C8714D16A43254BC9D73668D66F324E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember_BEB86B8800EF5A819D4F4602ED164C33" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_E243590B9B5E5F379C3CAD424C76ABEC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember_BEB86B8800EF5A819D4F4602ED164C33" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringReserve" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserve_7AB3F5A8C6255A5C83CB4BA3B7437C02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_62104847FEC45987A4B6E1F96F778A88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserve_7AB3F5A8C6255A5C83CB4BA3B7437C02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost_008CD23A8C8A5D13AFE2B7C781C12133" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_62104847FEC45987A4B6E1F96F778A88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost_008CD23A8C8A5D13AFE2B7C781C12133" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring_7AC6E678E2FE51F0841FBA63A1B840E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_62104847FEC45987A4B6E1F96F778A88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring_7AC6E678E2FE51F0841FBA63A1B840E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringReserveAccrualAdjustment1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveAccrualAdjustment1_5FCE9BDA3E485B50AD0877397ED61C80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_62104847FEC45987A4B6E1F96F778A88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveAccrualAdjustment1_5FCE9BDA3E485B50AD0877397ED61C80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_Noncashrestructuringadjustments" xlink:label="loc_hurn_Noncashrestructuringadjustments_18C1F4E58C7E502690D48E9040949A61" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_62104847FEC45987A4B6E1F96F778A88" xlink:to="loc_hurn_Noncashrestructuringadjustments_18C1F4E58C7E502690D48E9040949A61" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/RestructuringChargesRestructuringLiabilityRollforwardTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/SegmentInformation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/SegmentInformationAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/SegmentInformationComponentsOfSegmentInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_1A7C5F78BF56582BBC0E974AC23E7BC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_F0830B088A3755B1AB5F80364511286C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_1A7C5F78BF56582BBC0E974AC23E7BC5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_F0830B088A3755B1AB5F80364511286C" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_7F6FF65174DE58B6A159512EA61B7CFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_F0830B088A3755B1AB5F80364511286C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_7F6FF65174DE58B6A159512EA61B7CFC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_14324A8A20638F81DA9580D5C2401488_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_7F6FF65174DE58B6A159512EA61B7CFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_14324A8A20638F81DA9580D5C2401488_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_FBC8EE4AAE665A1F9FC7634877924425" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_7F6FF65174DE58B6A159512EA61B7CFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_FBC8EE4AAE665A1F9FC7634877924425" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_A6DCF2B2CF9454C99BDF54614664C77E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_FBC8EE4AAE665A1F9FC7634877924425" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_A6DCF2B2CF9454C99BDF54614664C77E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaterialReconcilingItemsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaterialReconcilingItemsMember_7C0A46FBA8995FFE8439F53EDF881028" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_FBC8EE4AAE665A1F9FC7634877924425" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaterialReconcilingItemsMember_7C0A46FBA8995FFE8439F53EDF881028" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_66B689E43B0E57D5AD2626801160C90D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_F0830B088A3755B1AB5F80364511286C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_66B689E43B0E57D5AD2626801160C90D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_08CC0D6275D906839A8080D5C240747D_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_66B689E43B0E57D5AD2626801160C90D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_08CC0D6275D906839A8080D5C240747D_F38FCC8A3BC95BC9B33297A6C74FE04C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_F02684BC0E645FBFB2566E0C5CF9A015" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_66B689E43B0E57D5AD2626801160C90D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_F02684BC0E645FBFB2566E0C5CF9A015" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_HealthCareMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_HealthCareMember_7A700E5E923653B6A770879127839BFF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_F02684BC0E645FBFB2566E0C5CF9A015" xlink:to="loc_hurn_HealthCareMember_7A700E5E923653B6A770879127839BFF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_EducationMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_EducationMember_BA1959C6D10F5A769E8F3A460E0FF211" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_F02684BC0E645FBFB2566E0C5CF9A015" xlink:to="loc_hurn_EducationMember_BA1959C6D10F5A769E8F3A460E0FF211" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_BusinessAdvisoryMember" xlink:label="loc_hurn_BusinessAdvisoryMember_A4B76C1E28C559259539D23D8D44A10E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_F02684BC0E645FBFB2566E0C5CF9A015" xlink:to="loc_hurn_BusinessAdvisoryMember_A4B76C1E28C559259539D23D8D44A10E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract_B0E8F9286CB554539912B7C425592DD6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_1A7C5F78BF56582BBC0E974AC23E7BC5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract_B0E8F9286CB554539912B7C425592DD6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueServicesNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueServicesNet_EA0081739F6852B192C45A1C00A46BE2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract_B0E8F9286CB554539912B7C425592DD6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueServicesNet_EA0081739F6852B192C45A1C00A46BE2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_811E90B7A1A253B5B393279CD7802182" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract_B0E8F9286CB554539912B7C425592DD6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_811E90B7A1A253B5B393279CD7802182" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_OperatingIncomeLossAsPercentOfRevenues" xlink:label="loc_hurn_OperatingIncomeLossAsPercentOfRevenues_044849F2A5335D3CB853BC0CF97057FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract_B0E8F9286CB554539912B7C425592DD6" xlink:to="loc_hurn_OperatingIncomeLossAsPercentOfRevenues_044849F2A5335D3CB853BC0CF97057FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReimbursementRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReimbursementRevenue_7F08172C70FE5F01B8C30E2E2F4930FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract_B0E8F9286CB554539912B7C425592DD6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReimbursementRevenue_7F08172C70FE5F01B8C30E2E2F4930FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_6A0C09870621584884C3C24F8489AB4A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract_B0E8F9286CB554539912B7C425592DD6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_6A0C09870621584884C3C24F8489AB4A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_CAB4B2A38A665F36ABBDE2D75B69EE77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract_B0E8F9286CB554539912B7C425592DD6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_CAB4B2A38A665F36ABBDE2D75B69EE77" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hurn-20170930.xsd#hurn_GainLossRelatedToLitigationSettlementAndOtherOperatingGains" xlink:label="loc_hurn_GainLossRelatedToLitigationSettlementAndOtherOperatingGains_360887F374AC5B37B0269F353D61DD28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract_B0E8F9286CB554539912B7C425592DD6" xlink:to="loc_hurn_GainLossRelatedToLitigationSettlementAndOtherOperatingGains_360887F374AC5B37B0269F353D61DD28" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization_CEA2D4FC3326545DB6FC9039B5AB970B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract_B0E8F9286CB554539912B7C425592DD6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization_CEA2D4FC3326545DB6FC9039B5AB970B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_9CE60C6B345A58699B782FF7D16B4AA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract_B0E8F9286CB554539912B7C425592DD6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_9CE60C6B345A58699B782FF7D16B4AA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_0BCEC3D3F13A529988E7993A931E9309" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract_B0E8F9286CB554539912B7C425592DD6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_0BCEC3D3F13A529988E7993A931E9309" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2016/elts/us-gaap-2016-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_92695C8931585235B3CD67B9A9DE0362" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationProfitLossAbstract_B0E8F9286CB554539912B7C425592DD6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_92695C8931585235B3CD67B9A9DE0362" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.huronconsultinggroup.com/role/SegmentInformationTables" xlink:type="extended" />
</link:linkbase>
