In this paper, a new extension for the generalized Rayleigh distribution is introduced. The proposed model, called Marshall–Olkin extended generalized Rayleigh distribution, arises based on the scheme introduced by Marshall and Olkin (1997) Marshall, A.W. , Olkin, I. (1997). A new method for adding a parameter to a family of distributions with application to the exponential and Weibull families. Biometrika 84:641–652. [Crossref], [Web of Science ®] [Google Scholar] . A comprehensive account of the mathematical properties of the new distribution is provided. We discuss about the estimation of the model parameters based on two estimation methods. Empirical applications of the new model to real data are presented for illustrative purposes.